med term

extremities

adrenal glands

removal of the adrenal glands

inflammation of the adrenal gland

pertaining to the adrenal gland

adrenal gland

enlargment of the adrenal glands

disease of the adrenal glands

male

calcium

excessive calcium in blood

low calcium in blood

secrete

specialist in the endocrine system

endocrine system disease

female

sugar

excessive suger in the blood

low suger in the blood

sugar

sex glands

sameness

potassium

excessive potassium in the blood

sodium

low sodium in the blood

eye

pancreas

pertaining to the pancreas

parathyroid gland

pertaining to the parathyroid gland

removal of the parathyroid gland

state of excessive parathyroid

state of insufficiant parathyroid gland

pineal gland

pituitary gland

pertaining to the pituitary gland

state of insufficant pituitary

state of excessive pituitary

thymus gland

pertaining to the thymus

removal of the thymus

thymus inflammation

cancer of the thymus

thyroid gland

enlarged thyroid

thryroid gland

pertaining to thyroid

removal of the thyroid

state of excessive thyroid

state of insufficient thyroid

poison

to secrete

thrist

many(excessive)thirst

relating to a meal

stimulate

urine

condition of (too) much urine

Presence of an excess of sugar in the urine.

Excessive acidity of body fluids due to the accumulation of acids, as in diabetic acidosis.

Chronic disease of adults that results in an elongation and enlargement of the bones of the head and extremities. There can also be mood changes.

Disease named for Thomas Addison, a British physician, that results from a deficiency in adrenocortical hormones. There may be an increased pigmentation of the skin, generalized weakness, and weight loss.

Malignant adenoma in a glandular organ.

The outer portion of the adrenal glands; secretes several families of hormones: mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and steroid sex hormones.

Development of female secondary sexual characteristics (such as breasts) in a male; often as a result of increased estrogen secretion by the adrenal cortex.

A pair of glands in the endocrine system located just above each kidney. This glands is composed of two sections, the cortex and the medulla, that function independently of each other. The cortex secretes steroids, such as aldosterone, cortisol, androgens, estrogens, and progestins. The medulla secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine. The adrenal glands are regulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone, which is secreted by the pituitary gland.

The inner portion of the adrenal gland. It secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Development of male secondary sexual characteristics (such as deeper voice and facial hair) in a female; often as a result of increased androgen secretion by the adrenal cortex.

A hormone produced by the adrenal medulla. Also known as epinephrine. Some of its actions include increasing heart rate and force of contraction, bronchodilation, and relaxation of intestinal muscles.

A hormone secreted by anterior pituitary. It regulates function of the adrenal gland cortex.

adrenocorticotropic hormone

A hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. It regulates the levels of sodium and potassium in the body and as a side effect the volume of water lost in urine.

A class of steroid hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex. These hormones, such as testosterone, produce a masculinizing effect.

The anterior portion of the pituitary gland. It secretes adrenocorticotropic hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, growth hormone, luteinizing hormone, melanocyte-stimulating hormone, prolactin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone.

antidiuretic hormone

A hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary. It promotes water reabsorption by the kidney tubules.

Medication given to block production of thyroid hormones in patients with hypersecretion disorders.

Blood test to measure the level of substances such as calcium, electrolytes, testosterone, insulin, and glucose. Used to assist in determining the function of various endocrine glands.

A hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. It stimulates deposition of calcium into bone.

An inorganic substance found in plasma. It is important for bones, muscles, and nerves.

Large dose of radioactive iodine is given in order to kill thyroid gland cells without having to actually do surgery.

The 24-hour clock that governs our periods of wakefulness and sleepiness.

General term for the group of hormones secreted by the adrenal contex. They include mineralocorticoid hormones, glucocorticoid hormones, and steroid sex hormones.

A steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex. It regulates carbohydrate metabolism.

Congenital condition due to a lack of thyroid that may result in arrested physical and mental development.

Set of symptoms named after Harvey Cushing, an American neurosurgeon that result from hypersecretion of the adrenal cortex. This may be the result of a tumor of the adrenal glands. The syndrome may present symptoms of weakness, edema, excess hair growth, skin discoloration, and osteoporosis.

Disorder caused by the inadequate secretion of a hormone by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. There may be polyuria and polydipsia. This is more common in the young.

A series disease in which the pancreas fails to produce insulin or the insulin does not work properly. Consequently, the patient has very high blood sugar. The kidney will attempt to lower the high blood sugar level by excreting excess sugar in the urine.

Secondary complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels of the retina, resulting in visual changes and even blindness.

Condition of being abnormally small. It may be the result of a hereditary condition or an endocrine dysfunction.

Condition in which the body tissues contain excessive amounts of fluid.

A glandular system that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream rather than into a duct. Endocrine glands are frequently referred to as ductless glands. The endocrine system includes the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, parathyroid glands, pituitary gland, pancreas (islets of Langerhans), testes, ovaries, and thymus gland.

The body system that consists of glands that secrete hormones directly into the blood stream. The endocrine glands include the adrenal glands, parathyroid glands, pancreas, pituitary gland, testes, ovaries, thymus gland, and thyroid gland.

The branch of medicine specializing in conditions of the endocrine system.

A hormone produced by the adrenal medulla. Also known as adrenaline. Some of its actions include increased heart rate and force of contraction, bronchodilation, and relaxation of intestinal muscles.

One of the hormones produced by the ovaries. It works with progesterone to control the menstrual cycle and it is responsible for producing the secondary sexual characteristics.

Glands that secrete substances into a duct. Tears and tear ducts are examples of an exocrine gland.

Condition in which the eyeballs protrude, such as in Graves' disease. This is generally caused by an overproduction of thyroid hormone.

Blood test to measure the amount of sugar circulating throughout the body after a 12-hour fast.

fasting blood sugar

The reproductive sex cells-ova and sperm.

Excessive development of the body due to the overproduction of the growth hormone by the pituitary gland. The opposite of dwarfism.

The organs of the body that release secretions. Exocrine glands, like sweat glands, release their secretions into ducts. Endocrine glands, such as the thyroid gland, release their hormones directly into the blood stream.

A hormone secreted by pancreas. It stimulates the liver to release glucose into the blood.

A group of hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex. They regulate carbohydrate levels in the body. Cortisol is an example of a glucocorticoid.

Test to determine the blood sugar level. A measured dose of glucose is given to a patient either orally or intravenously. Blood samples are then drawn at certain intervals to determine the ability of the patient to utilize glucose. Used for diabetic patients to determine their insulin response to glucose.

glucose tolerance test

Enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Common name for follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone.

The organs responsible for producing sex cells. The female gonads are the ovaries and they produce ova. The male gonads are the testes and they produce sperm.

Condition, named for Robert Graves, an Irish physician, that results in overactivity of the thyroid gland and can result in a crisis situation. Also called hyperthyroidism.

A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that stimulates growth of the body.

growth hormone

The development of breast tissue in males; may be a symptom of adrenal feminization.

Chronic form of thyroiditis, named for a Japanese surgeon.

Excessive hair growth over the body

Steady state or state of balance within the body. The kidneys assist in maintaining this regulatory, steady state.

A chemical substance secreted by an endocrine gland. It enters the blood stream and is carried to target tissue. Hormones work to control the functioning of the target tissue. Given to replace the loss of natural hormones or to treat disease by stimulating hormonal effects.

Menopause or the surgical loss of the ovaries results in the lack of estrogen production; replacing this estrogen with an oral medication prevents some of the consequences of menopause, especially in younger women who have surgically lost their ovaries.

Therapy with human growth hormone in order to stimulate skeletal growth; used to treat children with abnormally short stature.

Excessive hormone production by an endocrine gland.

Deficient hormone production by an endocrine gland.

The hypothalamus is a portion of the diencephalon that lies just below the thalamus. It controls body temperature, appetite, sleep, sexual desire, and emotions such as fear. It also regulates the release of hormones from the pituitary gland and regulates the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.

The hormone secreted by the pancreas. It regulates the level of sugar in the blood stream. The more insulin present in the blood, the lower the blood sugar will be.

Also called type 1 diabetes mellitus; it develops early in life when the pancreas stops insulin production. Persons with IDDM must take daily insulin injections.

Tumor of the islets of Langerhans cells of the pancreas that secretes an excessive amount of insulin.

A mineral required by the thyroid to produce its hormones.

The regions within the pancreas that secrete insulin and glucagon.

Acidosis due to an excess of ketone bodies (waste products). A serious condition that requires immediate treatment and can result in death for the diabetic patient if not reversed.

Excision of the adrenal gland through a small incision in the abdomen and using endoscopic instruments.

Surgical removal of a lobe of the lung. Often the treatment of choice for lung cancer.

A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary. It regulates function of male and female gonads and plays a role in releasing ova in females.

A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary. It stimulates pigment production in the skin.

Hormone secreted by the pineal gland; plays a role in regulating the body's circadian rhythm.

The 28-day fertility cycle in women; includes ovulation and sloughing off the endometrium if a pregnancy does not occur.

A group of hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex. They regulate electrolytes and fluid volume in the body. Aldosterone is an example of a mineralocorticoid.

Condition resulting from a hypofunction of the thyroid gland. Symptoms can include anemia, slow speech, enlarged tongue and facial features, edematous skin, drowsiness, and mental apathy.

Also called type 2 diabetes mellitus. It develops later in life when the pancreas produces insufficient insulin; persons may take oral hypoglycemics to stimulate insulin secretion, or may eventually have to take insulin.

A hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla. It is a strong vasoconstrictor.

Having an abnormal amount of fat in the body.

Medication taken by mouth that causes a decrease in blood sugar. This is not used for insulin-dependent patients. There is no proof that this medication will prevent the long-term complications of diabetes mellitus.

The female sex cell or gamete produced in the ovary. An ovum fuses with a sperm to produce an embryo. Singular is ovum

The female gonads. These two glands are located on either side of the lower abdominopelvic region of the female. They are responsible for the production of the sex cells, ova, and the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

A hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary. It stimulates uterine contractions during labor and delivery.

Organ in the digestive system that produces digestive enzymes. Also a gland in the endocrine system that produces two hormones, insulin and glucagon

Deficiency in all the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland; often recognized because of problems with the glands regulated by the pituitary-adrenal cortex, thyroid, ovaries, and testes.

Four small glands located on the back surface of the thyroid gland. The parathyroid hormone secreted by these glands regulates the amount of calcium in the blood.

The hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands. The more hormone, the higher the calcium level in the blood and the lower the level stored in bone. A low hormone level will cause tetany.

Damage to the nerves in the lower legs and hands as a result of diabetes mellitus; symptoms include either extreme sensitivity or numbness and tingling.

Usually benign tumor of the adrenal medulla that secretes epinephrine; symptoms include anxiety, heart palpitations, dyspnea, profuse sweating, headache, and nausea.

A gland in the endocrine system that produces a hormone called melatonin.

An endocrine gland located behind the optic nerve in the brain. It is also called the master gland since it controls the functions of many other endocrine glands. It is divided into two lobes: anterior and posterior. The anterior pituitary gland secretes hormones that aid in controlling growth and stimulating the thyroid gland, sexual glands, and adrenal cortex. The posterior pituitary is responsible for the antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin.

The posterior portion of the pituitary gland. It secretes antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin.

One of the hormones produced by the ovaries. It works with estrogen to control the menstrual cycle

A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary. It stimulates mild production.

Blood test to measure the concentration of thyroxine (T4) circulating in the bloodstream. The iodine becomes bound to the protein in the blood and can be measured. Useful in establishing thyroid function.

protein-bound iodine test

Test used to measure the levels of hormones in the plasma of the blood.

radioimmunoassay

Blood test performed to assist in determining insulin levels and useful for adjusting medication dosage.

Another name for growth hormone; a hormone that promotes growth of the body by stimulating cells to rapidly increase in size and divide.

Also called spermatozoon (plural is spermatozoa). The male sex cell. One sperm fuses with the ova to produce a new being.

A class of hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex. It includes aldosterone, cortisol, androgens, estrogens, and progestins.

Group of symptoms and signs that when combined present a clinical picture of a disease or condition.

A lymphocyte active in cellular immunity.

The organs that hormones act on to either increase or decrease the organ's activity level.

The male gonads. The testes are oval glands located in the scrotum that produce sperm and the male hormone, testosterone.

Male hormone produced in the testes. It is responsible for the growth and development of the male reproductive organs.

A condition the results from a calcium deficiency in the blood. It is characterized by muscle twitches, cramps, and spasms.

The thalamus is a portion of the diencephalon. It is composed of gray matter and acts as a center for relaying impulses from the eyes, ears, and skin to the cerebrum. Pain perception is also controlled by the thalamus.

Hormone secreted by thymus gland. It causes lymphocytes to change into T-lymphocytes.

An endocrine gland located in the upper mediastinum that assists the body with the immune function and the development of antibodies. As part of the immune response it secretes a hormone, thymosin, that changes lymphocytes to T cells.

Ultrasound examination of the thyroid that can assist in distinguishing a thyroid nodule from a cyst.

Blood tests used to measure the levels of T3, T4, and TSH in the bloodstream to assist in determining thyroid function.

thyroid function tests

This endocrine gland is located on either side of the trachea. Its shape resembles a butterfly with a large left and right lobe connected by a narrow isthmus. This gland produces the hormones thyroxine (also known as T4) and triiodothyronine (also known as T3).

Given to replace thyroid in patients with hypothyroidism or who have had a thyroidectomy.

Test in which a radioactive element is administered that localizes in the thyroid gland. The gland can then be visualized with a scanning device to detect pathology such as tumors.

A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary. It regulates function of the thyroid gland.

Condition that results from overproduction of the thyroid glands. Symptoms include a rapid heart action, tremors, enlarged thyroid gland, exophthalmos, and weight loss.

A hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It is also known as T4 and requires iodine for its production. This hormone regulates the level of cell metabolism. The greater the level of hormone in the bloodstream, the higher cell metabolism will be.

thyroxine

Blood test to measure the total amount of calcium to assist in detecting parathyroid and bone disorders.

A hormone produced by the thyroid gland known as T3 that requires iodine for its production. This hormone regulates the level of cell metabolism. The greater the level of hormone in the blood stream, the higher cell metabolism will be.

triiodothyronine

Blood test to assist in evaluating glucose metabolism. The patient eats a high-carbohydrate diet and fasts overnight before the test. A blood sample is then taken 2 hours after a meal.

two-hour postprandial

Given to control diabetes insipidus and promote reabsorption of water in the kidney tubules.

Excessive production of parathyroid hormone, which results in degeneration of the bones. Named for Friedrich von Recklinghausen, a German histologist.

Type of epileptic seizure that lasts only a few seconds to half a minute, characterized by a loss of awareness and an absence of activity. It is also called a petit mal seizure.

Nerve that carries impulses to the brain and spinal cord from the skin and sense organs. Also called sensory neurons.

Disease with muscular weakness and atrophy due to degeneration of motor neurons of the spinal cord. Also called Lou Gehrig's disease, after the New York Yankees' baseball player who died from the disease.

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

A reduction in the perception of pain or sensation due to a neurological condition or medication.

Relieves pain without the loss of consciousness. May be either narcotic or non-narcotic. Narcotic drugs are derived from the opium poppy and act on the brain to cause pain relief and drowsiness.

Produces a lack of feeling that may be of local or general effect, depending on the type of administration.

Blocks the function of the parasympathetic nervous system. Used to treat intestinal, bladder, and bronchial spasms.

Inability to communicate through speech. Often an aftereffect of a stroke (CVA).

Inability to communicate through speech. Often an aftereffect of a stroke

The delicate middle layer of the meninges.

Nerve tracts carrying sensory information up the spinal cord to the brain.

Tumor of the brain or spinal cord that is composed of astrocytes.

Having a lack of muscle coordination as a result of a disorder or disease.

Sensations, such as seeing colors or smelling an unusual odor, that occur just prior to an epileptic seizure.

The portion of the nervous system that consists of nerves to the internal organs that function involuntarily. It regulates the functions of glands (especially the salivary, gastric, and sweat glands), the adrenal medulla, heart, and smooth muscle tissue. This system is divided into two parts: sympathetic and parasympathetic.

Single projection of a neuron that conducts impulse away from nerve cell body.

Reflex test to determine lesions and abnormalities in the nervous system. The Babinski reflex is present if the great toe extends instead of flexes when the lateral sole of the foot is stroked. The normal response to this stimulation would be a flexion, or upward movement, of the toe.

One-sided facial paralysis with an unknown cause. The person cannot control salivation, tearing of the eyes, or expression. The patient will eventually recover.

The brain is one of the largest organs in the body and coordinates most body activities. It is the center for all thought, memory, judgment, and emotion. Each part of the brain is responsible for controlling different body functions, such as temperature regulation and breathing. The four sections to the brain are the cerebrum, cerebellum, diencephalon, and brain stem.

Injection of radioactive isotopes into the circulation to determine the function and abnormality of the brain.

This area of the brain has three components: medulla oblongata, pons, and the midbrain. The brain stem is a pathway for impulses to be conducted between the brain and the spinal cord. It also contains the centers that control respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure. In addition, the twelve pairs of cranial nerves begin in the brain stem.

Intracranial mass, either benign or malignant. A benign tumor of the brain can be fatal since it will grow and cause pressure on normal brain tissue. The most malignant brain tumors in children are gliomas.

Surgical procedure for removing an obstruction within the carotid artery, a major artery in the neck that carries oxygenated blood to the brain. Developed to prevent strokes but found to be useful only in severe stenosis with TIA.

Canal that extends down the length of the spinal cord; contains cerebrospinal fluid.

The portion of the nervous system that consist of the brain and spinal cord. It receives impulses from all over the body, processes this information, and then responds with an action. It consists of both gray matter and white matter.

A headache.

The second largest portion of the brain, it is located beneath the posterior portion of the cerebrum. This part of the brain aids in coordinating voluntary body movements and maintaining balance and equilibrium. It is attached to be the brain stem by the pons. The cerebellum refines the muscular movement that is initiated in the cerebrum.

Localized abnormal dilatation of a blood vessel, usually an artery; the result of a congenital defect or weakness in the wall of the vessel; a ruptured aneurysm is a common cause for a hemorrhagic CVA.

X-ray of the blood vessels of the brain after the injection of a radiopaque dye.

Bruising of the brain from a blow or impact; symptoms last longer than 24 hours and include unconsciousness, dizziness, vomiting, unequal pupil size, and shock.

The outer layer of the cerebrum. It is composed of folds of gray matter called gyri, which are separated by sulci.

The division of the cerebrum into right and left halves.

Watery clear fluid found in the ventricles of the brain. It provides protection from shock or sudden motion to the brain.

Laboratory examination of the clear, watery, colorless fluid from within the brain and spinal cord. Infections and the abnormal presence of blood can be detected in this test.

A surgical procedure in which a bypass is created to drain cerebrospinal fluid. It is used to treat hydrocephalus by draining the excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain and diverting it to the abdominal cavity.

Also called a stroke. The development of an infarct due to loss in the blood supply to an area of the brain. Blood flow can interrupted by a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhage), a floating clot (embolus), a stationary clot (thrombosis), or compression. The extent of damage depends on the size and location of the infarct and often includes speech problems and muscles paralysis.

The largest section of the brain. It is located in the upper portion and is the area that possesses our thoughts, judgment, memory, and association skills, and the ability to discriminate between items. The outer layer of the cerebrum is the cerebral cortex, which is composed of folds of gray matter. The elevated portions of the cerebrum, or convolutions, are called gyn and are separated by fissures or sulci. The cerebrum has both a left and right division or hemisphere. Each hemisphere has four lobes: frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal.

Nerves that arise from the brain.

Exposing tissues to extreme cold in order to destroy them. Used in treating malignant tumors, and to control pain and bleeding.

State of mental confusion with a lack of orientation to time and place.

Branched process off a neuron that receive impulses and carry it to the cell body.

Nerve tracts carrying motor signals down he spinal cord to the muscles.

Group of medications to treat Parkinson's disease by either replacing the dopamine that is lacking or increasing the strength of the dopamine that is present.

The term means tough mother. It is the fibrous outermost meninges layer that forms a tough protective layer.

Recording of the ultrasonic echoes of the brain; useful in determining abnormal patterns of shifting in the brain.

Nerves that carry impulses away from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands. Also called motor neurons.

A record of the brain's electrical activity.