Chapter 30: Endocrinology

Hormone- chemical substance released by a gland that controls or affects processes in other glands or body systems. Endocrine gland- gland that secretes chemical substances directly into the blood; also called a ductless gland Exocrine gland- gland that secretes chemical substances to nearby tissues through a duct; ducted gland Homeostasis- the natural tendency of the body to keep the internal environment and metabolism steady and normal. Metabolism- the sum of cellular processes that produce the energy and molecules needed for growth and repair. Endocrine Disorders & Emergencies Disorders of the Pancreas o Diabetes mellitus- disorder of inadequate insulin activity, due either to inadequate production of insulin or to decreased responsiveness of body cells to insulin. Glucose Metabolism Anabolism- the constructive or building up phase of metabolism. Catabolism- the destructive or breaking down phase of metabolism. Ketone bodies- compounds produced during the catabolism of fatty acids, including acetoacetic acid, hydroxybutyric acid, and acetone. Ketosis- the presence of significant quantities of ketone bodies in the blood. Osmotic diuresis- greatly increased urination and dehydration that results when high levels of glucose cannot be reabsorbed into the blood from the kidney tubules and the osmotic pressure of the glucose in the tubules also prevents water reabsorption. Diuresis- formation and secretion of large amounts of urine. Glycosuria- glucose in urine, which occurs when blood glucose levels exceed the kidneys ability to reabsorb glucose. Type I Diabetes Mellitus- (Juvenile-onset Diabetes)/Insulin dependent Diabetes low production of insulin by the pancreas. Usually diagnosed at childhood. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus- (Adult-onset Diabetes)/Non-Insulin dependent Diabetes Symptoms of Untreated Diabetes Mellitus

o Polydipsia o Polyuria o Polyphagia o Weakness o Weight loss o Diabetic Ketoacidosis (Diabetic Coma)- complication of Type I diabetes due to decreased insulin intake. Marked by high blood glucose, metabolic acidosis, and, in advanced stages, coma. Signs & Symptoms- fruity breath odor, Kussmauls respirations, excessive hunger/thirst o Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic coma- complication of type 2 diabetes due to inadequate insulin activity. Marked by high blood glucose, marked dehydration, and decreased mental function. Often mistaken for ketoacidosis. o Hypoglycemia (Insulin Shock)- deficiency of blood glucose. Disorders of the Thyroid Gland o Hyperthyroidism- the presence of excess thyroid hormones in the blood. o Thyrotoxicosis- a condition that reflects prolonged exposure of body organs to excess thyroid hormones, w/resultant changes in structure and function. Thyrotoxicosis is generally caused by Graves disease. Graves disease- endocrine disorders characterized by excess thyroid hormones resulting in body changes associated w/increased metabolism; primary cause of thyrotoxicosis. o Hypothyroidism- the presence of inadequate thyroid hormones in the blood. o Myxedema- a condition that reflects long-term exposure to inadequate levels of thyroid hormones, w/resultant changes in structure and function. Disorders of the Adrenal Gland o Hyperadrenalism (Cushings syndrome)- pathological condition resulting from excess adrenocortical hormones. Symptoms may include changed body habitus, hypertension, vulnerability to infection. o Adrenal Insufficiency (Addisnons disease)- endocrine disorder characterized by adrenocortical insufficiency. Symptoms may include weakness, fatigue, weight loss, hyper-pigmentation of skin and mucous membranes.