The Endocrine System Flashcards
(129 cards)
What are the main functions of the endocrine system?
Regulating metabolism and energy levels
Controlling growth and development
Managing stress responses
Regulating sexual fxn and reproduction
Maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance
Controlling mood, emotions, and sleep
Immune system regulation
What are the key endocrine glands?
Hypothalamus
Pituitary gland
Thyroid gland
Parathyroid glands
Adrenal glands
Pancreas
Pineal gland
Gonads
What is the function of the hypothalamus?
Controls other endocrine glands and regulates fxns like hunger, thirst, sleep, and emotions
What is the fxn of the pituitary gland?
It regulates hormones that influence growth, reproductive health, and other glands
Which endocrine gland is the “master gland”?
The pituitary gland
What is the fxn of the thyroid gland?
It produces hormones (T3 and T4) that control metabolism and affect growth and brain development
What is the function the parathyroid glands?
To regulate calcium levels in the blood
What is the fxn of the adrenal glands?
To produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which manage stress and metabolism
What does cortisol and adrenaline do?
Manage stress and metabolism
What is the fxn of the pancreas?
To release insulin and glucagon to control blood sugar levels
What is the fxn of the pineal gland?
To produce melatonin to regulate the sleep cycle
What are the gonads?
Testes and ovaries
What is the fxn of the gonads?
To produce sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone) that influence sexual development and reproduction
What are the s/s of endocrine system struggles?
Joint pain
Muscle pain
Parasthesias
Dry, scaly skin
Constipation
Fatigue
Dyspnea
Brittle nails/hair
Weight change
Periorbital edema
Hoarseness
Polydipsia/polyuria
How can we get glucose?
Gliconeogenesis (made by our body), consumed in food, or released from our body’s glycogen stores
What hormone do we need to use glucose?
Insulin
Where is insulin made?
In the pancreas
Bc glucose can’t enter cells w/o the help of insulin, any impairment of the fxn of insulin results in what?
Excess glucose in the bloodstream
Why do people with DM tend to be fatigued?
Bc their cells aren’t getting energy from glucose
What is the only fuel the brain can use?
Glucose
What is type 1 DM?
An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas
Why do people with type 1 DM need to take insulin for life?
Bc their bodies can no longer produce it
What percent of people with DM have type 1?
About 5-10%
When does type 1 DM often develop?
In childhood or adolescence