NR 283 Pathophysiology UNIT 6 CHAPTER 16
Unit 6 – Chapter 16 Outline
Endocrine
1. What is the difference between steroidal and non-steroidal hormones? (p. 403)
Steroids are lipids that enter the cell and nucleus and act directly in the nucleus to
engage in transcription (messenger RNA).
Non-steroidal needs a second messenger system to finally activate the formation
of mRNA.
2. How are hormones most frequently controlled? (p. 403-404)
They are controlled by a negative feedback mechanism.
For example, as levels of glucose increase the secretion of insulin increases.
When the glucose levels decrease, insulin secretion decreases
3. For each hormone, list the secreting organ or gland and the primary action: (p. 404)
a. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Secreting gland: Pituitary
Source: Adenohypophysis
Primary action: Stimulates adrenal cortex to secrete primarily cortisol.
b. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Secreting gland: Pituitary
Source: Adenohypophysis
Primary action: stimulates thyroid gland
c. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
Secreting gland: Pituitary-posterior lobe (neurohypophysis)
Primary action: Increase reabsorption of water in kidney
d. Insulin
Secreting organ: Pancreas- beta cells of islet of Langerhans
Primary action: Transport of glucose and other substance into cells. Lowers
blood glucose level.
, e. Aldosterone
Secreting: Adrenal cortex
Primary action: Increases sodium and water reabsorption in the kidney.
f. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
Secreting organ: Parathyroid gland
Primary action: Increases blood calcium level by stimulating bone
demineralization and increasing absorption of Ca+ in the digestive tract and
kidney.
g. Cortisol
Secreting organ: Adrenal cortex
Primary action: Anti-inflammatory and decreases immune response. Catabolic
effect on tissues; stress response.
4. What is Syndrome of Inappropriate Diuretic Hormone (SIADH)? (p. 418)
a) Definition: Is due to excess ADH, which causes retention of fluid.
b) Characteristics: Triggered by stress, or may be secreted by an ectopic source (e.g., a
bronchogenic carcinoma)
c) Causes: Mental confusion and irritability.
d) Clinical findings: Hyponatremia
e) Clinical manifestations: Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, and
malaise.
f) Severe symptoms: Mental confusion and irritability.
5. What is Diabetes Insipidus? (p. 418)
a) Definition: A deficit of antidiuretic hormone resulting in excessive loss of fluid and
dehydration. This deficit may originate in the neurohypophysis.
b) Characteristics: The condition is considered to be nephrogenic, when the renal tubules
do not respond to the hormone.
c) Causes: It may be genetic or linked to electrolyte imbalances or drugs.
Unit 6 – Chapter 16 Outline
Endocrine
1. What is the difference between steroidal and non-steroidal hormones? (p. 403)
Steroids are lipids that enter the cell and nucleus and act directly in the nucleus to
engage in transcription (messenger RNA).
Non-steroidal needs a second messenger system to finally activate the formation
of mRNA.
2. How are hormones most frequently controlled? (p. 403-404)
They are controlled by a negative feedback mechanism.
For example, as levels of glucose increase the secretion of insulin increases.
When the glucose levels decrease, insulin secretion decreases
3. For each hormone, list the secreting organ or gland and the primary action: (p. 404)
a. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Secreting gland: Pituitary
Source: Adenohypophysis
Primary action: Stimulates adrenal cortex to secrete primarily cortisol.
b. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Secreting gland: Pituitary
Source: Adenohypophysis
Primary action: stimulates thyroid gland
c. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
Secreting gland: Pituitary-posterior lobe (neurohypophysis)
Primary action: Increase reabsorption of water in kidney
d. Insulin
Secreting organ: Pancreas- beta cells of islet of Langerhans
Primary action: Transport of glucose and other substance into cells. Lowers
blood glucose level.
, e. Aldosterone
Secreting: Adrenal cortex
Primary action: Increases sodium and water reabsorption in the kidney.
f. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
Secreting organ: Parathyroid gland
Primary action: Increases blood calcium level by stimulating bone
demineralization and increasing absorption of Ca+ in the digestive tract and
kidney.
g. Cortisol
Secreting organ: Adrenal cortex
Primary action: Anti-inflammatory and decreases immune response. Catabolic
effect on tissues; stress response.
4. What is Syndrome of Inappropriate Diuretic Hormone (SIADH)? (p. 418)
a) Definition: Is due to excess ADH, which causes retention of fluid.
b) Characteristics: Triggered by stress, or may be secreted by an ectopic source (e.g., a
bronchogenic carcinoma)
c) Causes: Mental confusion and irritability.
d) Clinical findings: Hyponatremia
e) Clinical manifestations: Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, and
malaise.
f) Severe symptoms: Mental confusion and irritability.
5. What is Diabetes Insipidus? (p. 418)
a) Definition: A deficit of antidiuretic hormone resulting in excessive loss of fluid and
dehydration. This deficit may originate in the neurohypophysis.
b) Characteristics: The condition is considered to be nephrogenic, when the renal tubules
do not respond to the hormone.
c) Causes: It may be genetic or linked to electrolyte imbalances or drugs.
