17.9: Glossary
Acromegaly (ak-rō-MEG-ă-lē): A disorder in adults caused by excessive production of growth hormone, leading to enlargement of bones in face, hands, and feet. (Chapter 17.6)
Addison’s disease (ăd-ĭ-Sŏnz dĭ-ZĒZ): A disorder where the adrenal glands produce insufficient cortisol and aldosterone, leading to symptoms like hypoglycemia and hypotension. (Chapter 17.6)
Adenoma (ăd-ĕ-NŌ-mă): A benign tumor that arises in or resembles glandular tissue. (Chapter 17.6)
Adrenal cortex (ă-DRĒ-nal KŌR-tĕks): The outer portion of the adrenal glands that produces hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens. (Chapter 17.4)
Adrenalectomy (ăd-rē-năl-ĔK-tŏ-mē): Surgical excision of one or more of the adrenal glands. (Chapter 17.7)
Adrenal glands (ă-DRĒ-nal glandz): Endocrine glands located on top of each kidney, consisting of the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla, producing various hormones including aldosterone, cortisol, and catecholamines. (Chapter 17.4)
Adrenal insufficiency (ă-drē-năl ĭn-sŭ-fĭsh-ĕn-sē): A medical condition where the adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient amounts of steroid hormones, particularly cortisol and aldosterone, leading to symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, and low blood pressure. (Chapter 17.6)
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ă-drē-nō-kôr-tĭ-kō-TRŌP-ik HŌR-mōn) (ACTH): A hormone produced by the pituitary gland, stimulating the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol and other hormones. (Chapter 17.4)
Aldosterone (ăl-DŌS-tĕ-rōn): A hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that helps regulate blood pressure and electrolyte balance by signaling the kidneys to absorb sodium and excrete potassium. (Chapter 17.4)
Androgens (ĂN-drō-jĕnz): Male sex hormones produced in small amounts by both sexes, primarily in the adrenal cortex, and involved in the development of male characteristics. (Chapter 17.4)
Antidiuretic hormone (ăn-tī-dī-yū-RĔT-ik HŌR-mōn) (ADH): A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates water balance in the body by controlling the amount of water reabsorbed by the kidneys. (Chapter 17.4)
Basal metabolic rate (BĀ-săl MĔT-ă-bŏl-ĭk RĀT) (BMR): The rate at which the body uses energy while at rest to maintain vital functions such as breathing and temperature regulation. (Chapter 17.4)
Beta endorphin (BĀ-tă ĕn-DŌR-fĭn): A natural opioid peptide hormone produced in the brain and pituitary gland, involved in pain relief and feelings of well-being. (Chapter 17.4)
Calcitonin (kăl-sĭ-TŌ-nĭn): A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate calcium levels in the blood by reducing the concentration of calcium. (Chapter 17.4)
Catecholamines (kăt-ĕ-KŌL-ă-mēns): Hormones produced by the adrenal medulla, including epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are involved in the body’s stress response. (Chapter 17.4)
Cortisol (KŌR-tĭ-sŏl): A glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, playing a vital role in stress response, metabolism, and immune response regulation. (Chapter 17.4)
Cushing’s disease (KŪSH-ĭngz dĭ-ZĒZ): A condition caused by excessive cortisol production, often due to a pituitary tumor, leading to symptoms like weight gain and high blood sugar. (Chapter 17.6)
Cushing’s syndrome (KŪSH-ĭngz SĬN-drōm): A condition characterized by the body’s prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, which may be caused by the use of steroid medication or by tumors that increase cortisol production. (Chapter 17.6)
Diabetes insipidus (dī-ă-BĒ-tēz in-SIP-ĭ-dŭs) (DI): A condition characterized by excessive production of dilute urine, due to a deficiency in antidiuretic hormone (ADH). (Chapter 17.6)
Diabetes mellitus (DM) (dī-ă-BĒ-tēz MĔL-ĭ-tŭs): A group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period due to insulin deficiency and/or resistance. (Chapter 17.6)
Diabetic ketoacidosis (dī-ă-BĔT-ĭk kē-tō-ăs-ĭ-DŌ-sĭs) (DKA): A serious complication of diabetes that occurs when the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones, typically due to a severe lack of insulin. (Chapter 17.6)
Dwarfism (DWÔR-fĭz-əm): A condition characterized by short stature, often resulting from a genetic or medical condition, such as a deficiency in growth hormone. (Chapter 17.4)
Endocrine (ĔN-dō-krīn): Pertaining to glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. The pancreas serves an endocrine function by producing hormones like insulin and glucagon. (Chapter 17.4)
Endocrine surgeons (ĕn-dō-krĭn SŬR-jŏns): Medical specialists who perform surgical procedures on the endocrine glands, such as the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands, to treat various endocrine disorders and diseases. (Chapter 17.7)
Endocrinologists (ĕn-dō-krĭ-NŎL-ŏ-jĭsts): Physicians who specialize in studying and treating diseases associated with the endocrine system. (Chapter 17.7)
Endocrinology (ĕn-dō-krĭ-NŌL-ŏ-jē): The study of the structure, function, and disorders of the endocrine system. (Chapter 17.7)
Epinephrine (ĕp-ĭ-NĔF-rĭn): Also known as adrenaline, a hormone produced by the adrenal medulla, playing a key role in the fight-or-flight response by increasing heart rate and blood flow. (Chapter 17.4)
Estrogen (ĔS-trō-jĕn): A group of hormones primarily responsible for the development and regulation of female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. (Chapter 17.4)
Euthyroid (yū-THĪ-rŏid): A term that describes normal thyroid gland functioning, with the production of the correct amount of thyroid hormones. (Chapter 17.4)
Exocrine (ĔK-sō-krīn): Referring to glands that secrete their products through ducts to the surface of an organ or tissue or into a vessel. In the context of the pancreas, it refers to the production of digestive enzymes. (Chapter 17.4)
Exophthalmos (ek-saaf-thal-muhs): A medical term for bulging eyes, a symptom of hyperthyroidism. (Chapter 17.6)
Fasting blood glucose (FĂST-ing blŭd GLŪ-kōs) (FBG): A test that measures blood sugar levels after an individual has not eaten for at least 8 hours, used to diagnose diabetes. (Chapter 17.6)
Fight-or-flight response (fīt-ŏr-flīt rĭ-spŏns): A physiological reaction characterized by the increased production of hormones like adrenaline and norepinephrine in response to a perceived threat or stress, resulting in various bodily changes like increased heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels, preparing the body for either confrontation or rapid retreat. (Chapter 17.5)
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FŎL-ĭ-kŭl STĬM-yū-lāt-ing HŌR-mōn) (FSH): A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles in females and sperm production in males. (Chapter 17.4)
Gestational diabetes (jĕs-TĀ-shŭn-ăl dī-ă-BĒ-tēz): A form of diabetes that manifests during pregnancy, involving elevated blood glucose levels, and generally resolves after the baby’s birth, although it can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. (Chapter 17.6)
Gigantism (jī-GĂN-tĭz-əm): A rare condition caused by excessive production of growth hormone in childhood, leading to abnormal increase in height and size. (Chapter 17.4, Chapter 17.6)
Glucagon (GLŪ-kă-gŏn): A hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose. (Chapter 17.4)
Glucose (GLŪ-kōs): A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms and a component of many carbohydrates. (Chapter 17.4)
Goiter (GOI-tĕr): An enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can be a symptom of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism or result from iodine deficiency. (Chapter 17.4, Chapter 17.6)
Grave’s disease (GRĀVZ dĭ-ZĒZ): An autoimmune disorder that is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland causing it to produce too much thyroid hormone. (Chapter 17.6)
Hemoglobin A1C (HĒ-mō-glō-bĭn Ā-wŭn-SĒ) (HbA1C): A blood test that indicates the average level of blood sugar over the past two to three months, used to diagnose and manage diabetes. (Chapter 17.6)
Hirsutism (HĬR-sū-tĭz-əm): The excessive growth of dark or coarse hair in a male-like pattern in women, often due to increased androgen levels. (Chapter 17.6)
Hormones (HŌR-mōnz): Chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands, traveling through the bloodstream to target organs to initiate specific physiological responses. (Chapter 17.4)
Human growth hormone (HYOO-măn GRŌTH HŌR-mōn) (HGH): A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland, crucial for growth and metabolic processes in the body. (Chapter 17.4)
Hypercalcemia (hī-pĕr-kăl-SĒ-mē-ă): A condition characterized by an abnormally high level of calcium in the blood. (Chapter 17.6)
Hyperglycemia (hī-pĕr-glī-SĒ-mē-ă): A condition characterized by an abnormally high level of glucose in the blood, often associated with diabetes. (Chapter 17.4, Chapter 17.6)
Hyperparathyroidism (hī-pĕr-PĂR-ă-THĪ-rŏid-ĭzm): A condition in which the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone, leading to high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia). (Chapter 17.6)
Hyperthyroidism (hī-pĕr-THĪ-rŏid-ĭzm): A condition characterized by excessive production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland, leading to symptoms like weight loss, increased heart rate, and anxiety. (Chapter 17.6)
Hypocalcemia (hī-pō-kăl-SĒ-mē-ă): Low levels of calcium in the blood, which can be a symptom of hypoparathyroidism. (Chapter 17.6)
Hypoglycemia (hī-pō-glī-SĒ-mē-ă): Low blood sugar levels, which can be a side effect of diabetes treatment. (Chapter 17.4, Chapter 17.6)
Hypoparathyroidism (hī-pō-păr-ă-THĪ-rŏid-ĭzm): A condition in which the parathyroid glands produce insufficient parathyroid hormone, leading to low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia). (Chapter 17.6)
Hypophysectomy (hī-pō-fĭ-SĔK-tŏ-mē): Surgical removal of the pituitary gland. (Chapter 17.7)
Hypopituitarism (hī-pō-pĭ-TŪ-ĭt-ă-rizm): A condition where the pituitary gland produces insufficient amounts of one or more of its hormones, leading to a variety of symptoms depending on which hormones are affected. (Chapter 17.4)
Hypotension (hī-pō-TĔN-shŭn): Abnormally low blood pressure. (Chapter 17.6)
Hypothyroidism (hī-pō-THĪ-rŏid-ĭzm): A condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. (Chapter 17.4, Chapter 17.6)
Insulin (ĬN-sū-lĭn): A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. (Chapter 17.4)
Luteinizing hormone (LŪ-tē-ĭ-nīz-ing HŌR-mōn) (LH): A hormone produced by the pituitary gland, involved in triggering ovulation in females and testosterone production in males. (Chapter 17.4)
Melatonin (MĔL-ă-tō-nĭn): A hormone produced by the pineal gland, affecting reproductive development and daily physiological cycles, including sleep patterns. (Chapter 17.4)
Norepinephrine (nôr-ĕp-ĭ-NĔF-rĭn): A hormone produced by the adrenal medulla, involved in the body’s response to stress and also acts as a neurotransmitter. (Chapter 17.4)
Oral glucose tolerance test (ŌR-ăl GLŪ-kōs TŌL-ĕr-ăns tĕst) (OGTT): A test where a person consumes a glucose-rich beverage, and their blood sugar levels are tested over several hours to assess glucose metabolism. (Chapter 17.6)
Oxytocin (ŏk-sē-TŌ-sĭn): A hormone produced by the pituitary gland, involved in childbirth, lactation, and social bonding. (Chapter 17.4)
Pancreas (PĂN-krē-ăs): An organ with both exocrine and endocrine functions, producing digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin and glucagon. (Chapter 17.4)
Pancreatectomy (păn-krē-ă-TĔK-tŏ-mē): Surgical removal of the pancreas. (Chapter 17.7)
Parathyroid glands (PĂR-ă-THĪ-rŏid glandz): Small glands located on the thyroid gland that produce parathyroid hormone, which regulates calcium levels in the blood. (Chapter 17.4)
Parathyroid hormone (PĂR-ă-THĪ-rŏid HŌR-mōn) (PTH): A hormone produced by the parathyroid glands that regulates calcium and phosphate balance in the blood and bone metabolism. (Chapter 17.4)
Parathyroidectomy (păr-ă-thī-royd-ĔK-tŏ-mē): A surgical procedure to remove one or more of the parathyroid glands. (Chapter 17.6, Chapter 17.7)
Pineal gland (PĪ-nē-ăl gland): A small cone-shaped structure in the brain that produces melatonin, influencing reproductive development and physiological cycles. (Chapter 17.4)
Pituitary gland (pĭ-TŪ-ĭ-tĕr-ē gland): A pea-sized gland at the base of the brain, producing various hormones including GH, TSH, ACTH, FSH, LH, endorphins, and prolactin, influencing numerous bodily functions. (Chapter 17.4)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (pŏl-ē-SĬS-tĭk Ō-văr-ē SĬN-drōm) (PCOS): A hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age characterized by prolonged or infrequent menstrual periods, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries. (Chapter 17.6)
Polydipsia (pŏl-ē-DĬP-sē-ă): Excessive thirst, often a symptom of diabetes. (Chapter 17.6)
Polyphagia (pŏl-ē-FĀ-jē-ă): Excessive hunger or increased appetite, often a symptom of diabetes. (Chapter 17.6)
Polyuria (pŏl-ē-YŌŌR-ē-ă): Excessive or an abnormally large production or passage of urine, frequently seen in diabetes. (Chapter 17.6)
Progesterone (prō-JĔS-tĕ-rōn): A hormone released by the ovaries that regulates the condition of the endometrium, which is important for maintaining pregnancy. (Chapter 17.4)
Prolactin (prō-LĂK-tĭn): A hormone produced by the pituitary gland, primarily involved in milk production in breastfeeding mothers. (Chapter 17.4)
Radioactive iodine uptake (rā-dē-ō-ĂK-tĭv Ī-ŏ-dīn ŬP-tāk): A diagnostic test that measures how much radioactive iodine is absorbed by the thyroid gland, used to evaluate thyroid function. (Chapter 17.7)
Random blood glucose (răn-dŏm blŭd GLŪ-kōs): A test measuring the sugar levels in the blood at any given time, regardless of when the last meal was consumed, utilized to monitor and manage blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. (Chapter 17.6)
Striae (STRĪ-ē): Streaks or lines on the skin, typically caused by rapid stretching and hormone changes, as seen in Cushing’s syndrome. (Chapter 17.6)
Syndrome (SĬN-drōm): A set of medical signs and symptoms that are correlated with each other and, often, with a specific disease. (Chapter 17.6)
Testosterone (tĕs-TŌS-tĕ-rōn): The primary male sex hormone responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics. (Chapter 17.4)
Thyroid gland (THĪ-rŏid gland): An endocrine gland in the neck producing hormones like thyroxine and triiodothyronine, crucial for regulating metabolism and other body functions. (Chapter 17.4)
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (THĪ-rŏid-STĬM-yū-lāt-ing HŌR-mōn) (TSH): A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. (Chapter 17.4)
Thyroidectomy (thī-rŏi-DĔK-tŏ-mē): Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. (Chapter 17.6, Chapter 17.7)
Thyroiditis (thī-royd-ĪT-ĭs): Inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can cause either high or low levels of thyroid hormones. (Chapter 17.6)
Thyroxine (thī-RŌK-sĭn) (T4): A hormone produced by the thyroid gland, involved in regulating metabolism, heart rate, and growth and development in children. (Chapter 17.4)
Triiodothyronine (trī-ī-ō-dō-THĪ-rō-nēn) (T3): A hormone produced by the thyroid gland, playing a vital role in metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature regulation. (Chapter 17.4)
Type 1 diabetes (tīp wŭn dī-ă-BĒ-tēz): An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, resulting in a lack of insulin and the need for life-long insulin therapy. (Chapter 17.6)
Type 2 diabetes (tīp tōō dī-ă-BĒ-tēz): A chronic condition characterized by insulin resistance, where body cells do not respond effectively to insulin, often combined with a deficiency in insulin production, leading to high blood sugar levels. (Chapter 17.6)