The Endocrine System By Julie & Jenna

Overall Function Comprised of ductless glands that secrete hormones Hormones are “chemical messengers” that transfer information from one set of cells to another in order to coordinate the functions of body. Steroids Peptides Amines

Glands Hypothalamus Center part of brain Regulates Metabolism & body temperature Somewhat controls pituitary gland with its “releasing hormone” Pituitary Base of brain, under the Hypothalamus (pea sized) “Master Gland”; it produces hormones that cause the other glands to function properly Split into the 2 lobes (anterior & posterior)

Glands Cont’d Thyroid Front part of neck Regulates metabolism, bone growth & nervous system development in children Helps maintain normal blood pressure, heart rate, digestive patterns, muscle tone, and reproductive function Parathyroid 2 pairs embedded in the Thyroid Regulates calcium levels in the blood as well as metabolism

Glands Cont’d Adrenal Triangle shaped gland located stop each kidney 2 main parts Adrenal Cortex: outside of gland-corticosteroids (control metabolism, balance of body salt and water levels, and have an immune function) Adrenal Medulla: inside of gland-catecholamine (control adrenaline, heart rate, blood pressure, and cope with stress

Glands Cont’d Reproductive Sex-hormones Male testes: testosterone Female ovaries: estrogen & progesterone Pineal Middle of brain Deals with the hormone Melatonin in order to regulate wake/sleep cycle

Glands Cont’d Pancreas Behind the stomach, back of abdomen Hormonal functions & aids digestion 2 parts Exocrine pancreas - secretes digestive enzymes Endocrine pancreas - insulin & glucagons which regulate glucose levels in blood

Glands Cont’d Kidney Lower abdomen, towards the back Considered part of the endocrine system because they have some hormonal interactions with the adrenal glands & the rest of the body Thymus Upper chest behind the breastbone 2 lobes which join in front of the trachea Important immune function

Diabetes Body does not produce or properly use insulin Hormone used to convert sugar, starches, etc into energy needed for daily life Two types of tests Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG) Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

Pre-Diabetes Blood Glucose Levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. No symptoms Treatment Eat a healthy diet Lose weight (5-10%) Exercise

Type 1 Diabetes Body does not produce insulin Children & young adults

Type 1 Diabetes Cont’d Symptoms Increased thirst Frequent urination Weight loss Extreme hunger Fatigue Blurred vision Treatment Insulin injections No oral medication

Type 2 Diabetes Often hereditary Obesity is a major factor Most common Adult-onset Body doesn’t produce enough insulin or islet cells ignore the insulin

Type 2 Diabetes Cont’d Symptoms Same as Type 1 + Headaches Slow healing cuts or sores Frequent yeast infections Itching Numbness/tingling in hands & feet Dark skin changes in neck, armpit, & groin Treatments Oral Medication Insulin shots may have to be prescribed

Gestational Diabetes Occurs only during pregnancy Placenta produces hormones which impair the action of insulin in the tissues When blood sugar levels rise too high, it can effect the growth & development of the baby No noticeable signs or symptoms but may cause increased thirst & urination A doctor will address it

Gestational Diabetes Cont’d Treatments Diet Exercise Medication Insulin injections Oral Blood Sugar monitoring (4-5 times a day) Draw blood from tip of finger & place on test strip & put into glucose meter

Advancements in Diabetes Research Comfort Curve strip by Accu-Check One Touch UltraSmart Meter Stem Cell Research Discovery of 6 new genes associated with the onset of type 2 diabetes Europe, EURODIA & EUGENE2 projects Reimplantation Implantable insulin pump

Endocrine Disorders Cushing’s Syndrome Exogenous & Endogenous Causes: too much cortisol in the blood for an extended period of time Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands (located above the kidneys) In normal amounts, it helps the body convert fat to energy, maintain immune system function, maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular function, and respond to stress

Cushing’s Syndrome Cont’d Causes continued… Exogenous-Occurs in patients taking cortisol- like medications. These meds are usually used to treat inflamfamatory disorders like asthma. It is temporary and goes away when the patient finishes the course of medication Endogenous- Much rarer, caused by tumor(s) on the adrenal glands or the pituitary gland (at the base of the brain). These tumors produce too much cortisol

Cushing’s Syndrome Cont’d Effects: Exogenous: Cushing’s will go away but if a person starts taking medications again for an issue like asthma, for example, it can start up again and thus medications must be taken Endogenous: With surgery, the body’s production of ACTH drops two levels below normal. As compensation, patients take a synthetic form or cortisol. Some have to take this for 1-2 years while others must be on it for life.

Cushing’s Syndrome Cont’d Symptoms : Weight Gain (especially in the upper body) High blood sugar (diabetes) High blood pressure (hypertension) Thin bones (osteoporosis) Muscle Loss Purple/red stretch marks usually over the abdomen and under the arms) Too much facial hair in women Poor height growth and obesity in children Weakness Easily-bruised, fragile skin Reduced sex drive Inability to think clearly/depression

Cushing’s Syndrome Cont’d Treatments: Depends on the cause Exogenous – When the patient slows down and eventually stops taking the cortisol-like medications, Cushing’s syndrome will go away Endogenous – The first approach is usually to have surgery which will remove the tumor(s). If this isn’t successful, patients can undergo radiation therapy, or drugs to lower cortisol production, or the removal of the adrenal glands

Endocrine Disorders Addison’s Disease AKA Primary Adrenal Insufficiency Causes: The adrenal glands (located at the top of each kidney) produce and insufficient amount of steroid hormones, despite having the right amount of ACTH, a hormone that tells the adrenal glands to release steroids Effects: Treatments usually have to be continued for life.. As long as a person continues their dosage schedule, they can maintain a normal lifestyle.

Addison’s Cont’d Symptoms Fatigue/Weakness Loss of Appetite Gastrointestinal problems (nausea, vomiting, etc) Darkening of the skin on the face, neck and back of hands Low blood pressure A craving for salt (due to salt loss) Dehydration Sudden penetrating pain in the lower back, abdomen, or legs

Addison’s Cont’d Treatments Replacing or substituting the hormones that the adrenal glands are not making. Medication can be taken orally Standard therapy included intravenous injections of hydrocortisone, saline (salt water), and dextrose (sugar)

Citations urity/getfile&pageid=874 urity/getfile&pageid= ms ms ment ment diabetes/DS00329/DSECTION=symptoms diabetes/DS00329/DSECTION=symptoms diabetes/DS00316/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs diabetes/DS00316/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

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