Endocrine (Advanced Physical Examination and D/D)

Question 1

What does the endocrine system consist of?

Answer 1

Made up of glands that release hormones that control 
Growth
Tissue function
Metabolism
Internal temperature
Body development
Mood & emotions

Question 2

What are hormones ?

Answer 2

Organic compounds (usually proteins), made in one tissue, and having an effect on cellular function in another tissue
Hormones exert effects far out of proportion to their quantities
Usually act through receptors

Question 3

How to evaluate endocrine disorders ?

Answer 3

History
Pursue the details of the symptoms
Anticipate the findings of suspected disorders

Physical Exam
The more vague the symptoms, the more extensive the examination
Differential diagnosis

The more vague the symptoms, the more extensive the differential

Question 4

What are the endorgan hormones?

Answer 4

Insulin
Somatostatin
Calcitonin
Parathormone
Estrogen
Progesterone
Testosterone
Thyroxin (T4), tri-iodothyronine (T3)
 Vasopressin
Oxytocin
Epinephrine
Norepinephrine
Serotonin
Cortisol
Aldosterone
Growth hormone (HGH)

Question 5

What are the endocrine organs?

Answer 5

Brain (hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal)
Pancreas 
Adrenal (cortex, medulla)
Thyroid  
Parathyroid
Testes, uterus and ovaries
Kidney
Thymus
Lung

Question 6

How are hormone disorders characterized?

Answer 6

Hormone disorders are usually characterized by how much hormone the gland secretes

So, categorize the disorder as secreting
Not enough hormone
Too much hormone
Hormones that are not adequately controlled

Question 7

What hormones does the posterior pituitary gland secrete?

Answer 7

oxytosin- contraction of uterine smooth muscle and myoepithelial cells in the lactating mammary gland

(anti-diuretic hormone)- water resorption in the kidneys

Question 8

What is syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone?

Answer 8

It is an error with the posterior pituitary gland in which it releases excessive amounts of ADH. This causes water retention and causes sodium to go DOWN!

Question 9

What is Diabetes Insipidus?

Answer 9

It is an error with the posterior pituitary gland in which it releases little to no ADH hormone. This causes the patient to urinate excessively. This causes sodium to go UP! Patients are also excessively thirsty.