Quizlet Endocrine System: Disorders

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  1. acromegaly: Hyperfunction of pituitary- too much growth hormone in adulthood. Overdevelopment of bones in face, hands, and feet. Attacks cartilage, so the chin protrudes; lips, nose, and extremities large. Rx. Drugs to inhibit growth hormone, radiation.
  2. diabetes mellitus: Caused by drop in insulin secretion. Can be insulin dependent (juvenile) or non-insulin dependent. If not treated, excess glucose in blood (hyperglycemia) and glucose secreted in urine (glycosuria). Since glucose not available from cellular oxidation, body starts to burn up protein and fat. Tests- blood sample measured in glucometer (done by patient in home). Normal BS 80-100 mg.
  3. dwarfism: Hypofunction of the pituitary in childhood. Small size, but body proportions and intellect are normal. Sexual immaturity. Rx. Early diagnosis, injection of growth hormone.
  4. exopthalmos: Bulging of eyeballs.
  5. gigantism: Hyperfunction of pituitary- too much growth hormone. In preadolescant, overgrowth of long bones leads to excessive tallness.
  6. goiter: Enlargement of thyroid gland.
  7. hyperglycemia: Diabetic coma. Blood sugar gets too high.
  8. hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid gland. Too much thyroxine secreted, leading to enlargement of gland. People with this disease consume large quantities of food but lose body fat and weight. Most prounced symptoms are goiter and exophthalmos. Rx. Total or partial removal of thyroid, drugs to reduce thyroxine, radiation.
  9. hypoglycemia: Insulin shock. Too much insulin is given and blood sugar goes too low.
  10. hypothyroidism: Not enough thyroxine secreted. May be due to lack of iodine (simple goiter). Major cause of other types is inflammation of thyroid which destroys the ability of the gland to make thyroxine. Symptoms- Dry and itchy skin, dry and brittle hair, constipation, and muscle cramps at night.
  11. symptoms of diabetes mellitus: Polyuria, polyphagia, polydipsia, weight loss, blurred vision, and possible diabetic coma.
  12. tetany: Aka lockjaw. In hypoparathyroidism, decreased calcium levels affect function of nerves. Convulsive twitching develops, person dies of spasms in the respiratory muscles. Rx. Vitamin D, calcium, and parathormone.
  13. type II diabetes mellitus: Non-insulin dependent. Most common, usually familial, occurs later in life, control with oral hypoglycemic drugs and diet.