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Weekly Overview

Week Two

Overview

In Week Two, you will learn the basic function and structure of the endocrine system along with some common terminology used. In order to assign the correct diagnosis and procedure codes and process accurate claims, you should first be able to read and comprehend medical documentation that contains anatomy and physiology terms related to the endocrine system. The endocrine system includes many organs and glands that secrete hormones that are considered chemical messengers in the body by way of the circulatory system. Some of the glands are included in the nervous system, such as the pituitary, pineal, and hypothalamus. There are endocrine glands in multiple systems including the reproductive, digestive, and urinary systems. Hormones influence the function of our body to include reproduction, energy levels, strength, and internal balance. An imbalance of a hormone can affect the endocrine system or different individual or multiple systems.

What you will cover

1. Endocrine system

The endocrine system includes many organs and glands that secrete hormones which are considered “chemical messengers” in the body by way of the circulatory system. Some of the glands are included in the nervous system such as the pituitary, pineal, and hypothalamus. There are endocrine glands in multiple systems including the reproductive, digestive, and urinary systems. Hormones influence the function of our body to include reproduction, energy levels, strength, and internal balance. An imbalance of a hormone can affect the endocrine system or individual systems.

a. Identify common medical terms for the endocrine system.

1) Adrenocorticosteroids: hormones secreted by the adrenal glands

2) Adrenalin: epinephrine – hormone secreted by the adrenal glands generally under a stressful condition resulting in increased pulse rate and blood circulation

3) Antidiuretic hormone (ADH): hormone released by the pituitary gland and acts as an antidiuretic (prevents dilution of urine)

4) Calcitonin: hormone produced by the thyroid gland the helps in maintaining blood calcium levels

5) Homeostasis: maintaining balance and equilibrium

6) Hormone: chemical of the endocrine system released by a gland or organ

7) Insulin: hormone produced by the pancreas that aids in regulating glucose levels

8) Melatonin: hormone that helps regulate the sleep cycle and is secreted by the pineal gland

9) Pancreas: gland located behind the stomach which secretes insulin to help with metabolizing sugar

10) Thyroxin: hormone produced in the thyroid gland which helps with metabolism

b. Identify the structure and function of the endocrine system.

1) Adrenal gland (two regions referred to as the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla): Adrenal glands release the chemical adrenaline when a person is under stress. The adrenal cortex releases epinephrine and norepinephrine. The adrenal medulla releases adrenocortical steroids the adrenal glands are located above the kidneys.

2) Hypothalamus: controls releasing chemical to the pituitary gland – The hypothalamus is located in the brain. The pineal gland releases melatonin. The hypothalamus produces ADH and oxytocin.

3) Pancreas: located in the abdominal cavity – releases insulin which is needed to process sugar (Issues regulating insulin can result in diabetes.)

4) Parathyroid: gland located behind the thyroid in the neck – The parathyroid releases parathyroid hormone which helps with normal bone development.

5) Pineal gland: located in the brain which releases melatonin (helps regulate normal sleep patterns) and sexual development

6) Pituitary gland: gland located in the brain (anterior and posterior), aids in mental development, and helps control the endocrine system by releasing multiple hormones

7) Thymus: located in the mid chest area which aids in immune function in children – As an adult, the thymus turns into fatty tissue.

8) Thyroid: gland located at the front of the neck responsible for the release of hormones thyroxin, triiodothyronine, and calcitonin which aid in metabolism

c. Describe major diseases that affect the endocrine system.

1) Acromegaly: gigantism – condition where the anterior pituitary produces too much grown hormone resulting in severe disfigurement

2) Addison’s disease: low production of adrenocorticosteroid which is produced by the adrenal glands – This can be a result of adrenal gland damage, tumor, diabetes, autoimmune process, or no known cause. Symptoms may include weight loss, nausea, low blood pressure, and weakness.

3) Cushing’s syndrome: overproduction of cortisol (stress hormone) in the pituitary gland – This can be caused by a tumor. Symptoms may include muscle and bone changes, obesity, fatigue, and upper body obesity.

4) Diabetes: condition that occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to metabolize sugar

a) Type 1 diabetes: typically affects children or young adults and can be caused by an autoimmune issue resulting in the body’s inability to produce enough insulin – Daily insulin is required.

b) Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent): can be a result of obesity – Patients may require oral medications or insulin.

c) Gestational diabetes: type of diabetes that can result in elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy

5) Grave’s disease: overactive thyroid (hyperthyroid) referred to as hyperthyroidism – Symptoms can be bulging eyes, weight loss, and a swollen neck.

6) Hypothyroidism: underactive thyroid (hypothyroid) which is a condition where the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid stimulating hormone – Symptoms can include fatigue, inability to tolerate the cold, weight gain, and inability to concentrate.

7) Hyperglycemia: condition of excessive sugar (glucose) in the blood

8) Hypoglycemia: condition of low sugar (glucose) in the blood

9) Thyroid nodule: lump in the thyroid that can be cancerous or noncancerous and can cause symptoms similar to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism

d. Describe major laboratory and diagnostic tests that are used to assess endocrine system (T3, T4, and calcitonin).

1) Thyroid function blood test used to assess thyroid function

2) Cortisol blood test used to assess for an adrenal issue

3) 24 hour urine test used to check cortisol or blood sugar levels in the urine

4) ACTH: Adrenocorticotropic hormone

5) Glucometer: device that uses a blood sample to assess for high or low blood sugar – monitors blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes (Accu-Chek)

6) Biopsy: pathology examination of tissue removed during testing to assess for disease process

e. Describe the main health care providers for the endocrine department.

1) An endocrinologist is a physician that specializes and treats disorders related to the endocrine system.

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