Endocrine System: Homeostatic Imbalances

Anatomy & Physiology

Tumor cells

Tumor cells (such as lung or pancreas cancer) make excessive amounts of hormones identical to normal endocrine glands.

Growth Hormone

Hypersecretion and hyposecretion result in structural abnormalities.

Gigantism- still-active growth plates receive excessive GH Person becomes abnormally tall (often 8ft)

Acromegaly- excessive GH secreted after growth plates close Enlarged extremities; overgrown hands, feet and

face Pituitary Dwarfism- GH deficiency in children;

slows bone growth

Gigantism

Gigantism

34 years old 7’8” tall

Acromegaly

Pituitary Dwarfism

Pituitary Gland: Prolactin

Prolactin: Hypersecretion in females leads to lactation problems, lack of menses, breast enlargement, and infertility Hypersecretion in males leads to impotence

Pituitary Gland: Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

ADH Deficiency= diabetes insipidusCan be caused by damage to

hypothalamus or posterior pituitary Intense thirst and urine output

Hypersecretion of ADH: occurs with meningitis, recovery from neurosurgery or hypothalamus injury Results in retention of fluid, headache, brain

edema, weight gain

Thyroid Gland Imbalances

Hypothyroidism leads to slow metabolism, chills, constipation, thick and dry skin, puffy eyes, edema, lethargy and mental sluggishnessLack of iodine= goiterCretinism in children; can lead to mental

retardation

Hyposecretion of TH

Hyperthyroidism

Graves’ disease- autoimmune disease; Symptoms- rapid and irregular heartbeat,

nervousness, weight loss, elevated metabolic rate, sweating

Graves’ Disease

Enlarged Thyroid (goiter)

Parathyroid Imbalances

Hyperparathyroidism: Rare; usually results from parathyroid gland tumorCalcium is drawn out of bones; softening

and deforming bonesHypo “”: usually caused by parathyroid

gland trauma; results in loss of sensation, muscle twitches, convulsionsCan lead to respiratory paralysis and death

Adrenal Gland

Aldosteronism- hypersecretion; hypertension and accelerated expulsion of potassium

Addision’s disease- hyposecretion of gluccocorticoids and mineralcoritcoids Can lead to muscle weakness and paralysis

Excessive gluccocorticoid hormone

Cushing’s disease- ACTH releasing pituitary tumor Persistent hyperglycemia, loss of muscle

and bone protein; water and salt retention Physical signs- swollen face, fat deposits in

abdomen and posterior neck

Excessive Gonadocorticoids

Causes androgenital syndrome- (masculinization) Males mature rapidlyFemales develop a beard, excessive body

hair, and development of male sex organ

Diabetes mellitus

Results from hyper or hyposecretion of insulin

3 signs of DMPolyuria-large urine output Polydipsia- excessive thirst Polyphagia- excessive hunger

Hypoglycemia- low sugar levels