Lesson 9 - Endocrine System Flashcards
adrenaline
The hormone increases cardiac rate, dilates bronchial tubes and stimulates the production of glucose from a storage substance called glycogen when glucose is needed by the body.
adrenal gland
Two small glands - one is situated on the top of each kidney. They secrete different endocrine hormones.
dwarfism
Congenital (at birth) hypo-secretion of growth hormone.
fasting blood sugar (FBS)
Measures circulating glucose level in a patient who has fasted at least 4 hours.
gestational diabetes
Diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.
glucose
Simple sugar
glucose tolerance test (GTT)
Ability to respond to a glucose load. This is a test for diabetes.
hormones
Substance produced by an endocrine gland that travels through the blood to a distant organ or gland where it influences the structure or function of that organ or gland.
hyperglycemia
High blood sugar.
hyperthyroidism
Overactivity of the thyroid gland.
hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar.
hypothyroidism
Underactivity of the thyroid gland.
insulin
Hormone produced by the beta islet cells of the pancreas, insulin lowers blood sugar by transport and conversion of glucose to glycogen
insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)
Lack of insulin secretion or resistance of insulin in promoting sugar, starch and fat metabolism in cells. (Requires injections of insulin to maintain normal level of glucose in the body).
non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)
Lack of insulin secretion or resistance of insulin in promoting sugar, starch and fat metabolism in cells. (Can often be treated with diet, weight reduction, exercise)
