Understanding Hormones and the Endocrine System

Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions. They are not vitamins, neurotransmitters, or enzymes.

The correct answer refers to the relationship between hormones and endocrine cells/organs in the regulation of physiological functions.

Negative feedback is a type of feedback that works to stabilize a process by counteracting any deviation from the desired output. It helps maintain homeostasis by reducing the rate or output of a process when its effects become too great.

Steroid hormone action involves specific steps starting from diffusion, entering the nucleus, binding to receptors, binding to DNA sites, activating genes, and translation in the cytoplasm resulting in synthesis. Entering the mitochondria, binding to ribosomes, or inhibiting gene expression are not part of this process.

Endocrine gland stimulation is commonly triggered by internal or external stimuli, such as changes in blood levels of ions or nutrients, other hormones, or nerve stimulating fibers.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition marked by excessive activity of the thyroid gland, leading to various symptoms related to increased metabolism and overproduction of thyroid hormones.

Grave's Disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to an overactive thyroid gland, resulting in hyperthyroidism.

Exophthalmos refers to the abnormal protrusion of the eyeball, commonly associated with conditions such as thyroid eye disease or tumors behind the eye. The incorrect answers are not related to the specific symptom of exophthalmos.

Goiter is a condition characterized by the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. This enlargement can lead to visible swelling in the neck area and may be caused by a variety of factors including iodine deficiency or thyroid disorders.

Myxedema is a term used to describe severe hypothyroidism, not a muscle disorder, skin condition, or autoimmune disease.

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition caused by an excess of parathyroid hormone, leading to disturbances in calcium metabolism and bone loss. It is not characterized by insufficient hormone production, excess calcitonin production, or an overactive thyroid gland.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone that plays a key role in the body's stress response by converting proteins and fats into glucose, increasing blood sugar levels, and suppressing the immune system to regulate inflammation.

Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid hormone that plays a key role in regulating the balance of electrolytes and fluids in the body by promoting the retention of sodium and water by the kidneys, ultimately increasing blood volume and blood pressure.

Hyperaldosteronism is a condition where there is an excessive secretion of aldosterone, which can lead to a loss of body potassium, muscular weakness, and elevated blood pressure. It is important to differentiate hyperaldosteronism from conditions such as deficient aldosterone secretion, excessive cortisol secretion, or low blood pressure due to decreased aldosterone production.

Epinephrine & Norepinephrine, also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline, are catecholamines that play a key role in the body's fight or flight response. They are responsible for increasing heart rate, blood pressure, converting glycogen to glucose in the liver, dilation of bronchioles, and increasing metabolic rate.

Cushing's Disease / Syndrome is caused by excess cortisol production, leading to distinctive symptoms such as obesity, easy bruising, fatigue, muscle weakness, and hypertension.

Addison's Disease is a condition characterized by deficient cortisol production, leading to the symptoms mentioned in the correct answer.

Diabetes Mellitus has two main types, Type 1 and Type 2, each with distinct characteristics in terms of insulin secretion and age of onset. Type 1 is characterized by insulin deficiency and is usually diagnosed in children, while Type 2 is associated with the body's inability to compensate for increased insulin demand and is typically diagnosed in adults.

The cardinal signs of Diabetes Mellitus include excessive urine production, excessive amounts of sugar in the blood and urine, thirst, hunger, and loss of weight. The incorrect answers do not accurately reflect the typical symptoms of DM.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) requires prompt medical attention with the administration of IV insulin and fluids to stabilize the patient's condition. The symptoms of DKA usually include breath odor, sweet smelling fruity acetone breath, rapid pulse/breathing, confusion, and drowsiness.

Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia are conditions related to blood sugar levels, causing specific symptoms as mentioned in the correct answer.

Insulin is a hormone that promotes the uptake of glucose from the blood into cells, thereby decreasing blood glucose levels.

Diabetes Insipidus is a condition characterized by insufficient secretion of vasopressin, which leads to excessive thirst and frequent urination. It is different from diabetes mellitus, which involves high blood sugar levels.

SIADH is characterized by excess antidiuretic hormone leading to water retention and hyponatremia, which results in concentrated urine. Unlike conditions like heart failure or renal failure, SIADH does not present with edema or dehydration.

Androgens are male sex hormones responsible for the development of male sex characteristics, while estrogens are female sex hormones responsible for the development of female sex characteristics and the growth & maintenance of the female reproductive system. The incorrect options provided do not accurately describe the functions of androgens and estrogens.

Calcitonin and PTH play opposite roles in calcium regulation within the body. Calcitonin works to decrease blood calcium levels, while PTH works to maintain and regulate calcium levels.

Hypothyroidism specifically refers to deficient activity of the thyroid gland, leading to a decreased metabolic rate and loss of vigor. It is important to distinguish hypothyroidism from other thyroid-related conditions or hormonal imbalances.