Pathophysiology of the Endocrine
System, MSN 570 Advance Patho
Questions and Answers | Latest Version
| 2024/2025 | 100% Pass
What is the most common cause of primary adrenal insufficiency?
✔✔The most common cause of primary adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison's disease,
is autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex, leading to a deficiency of cortisol and
aldosterone.
How does the body compensate for low blood sugar levels?
✔✔In response to low blood sugar levels, the pancreas secretes glucagon, which stimulates the
liver to convert glycogen into glucose and release it into the bloodstream.
What are the effects of hyperaldosteronism on blood pressure?
✔✔Hyperaldosteronism leads to increased sodium retention and potassium excretion, resulting
in elevated blood volume and hypertension.
Describe the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in stress response.
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,✔✔The HPA axis regulates the body's response to stress by releasing corticotropin-releasing
hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus, stimulating the pituitary gland to secrete
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which then prompts the adrenal glands to release cortisol.
What is the primary pathophysiological change in type 1 diabetes mellitus?
✔✔The primary change in type 1 diabetes mellitus is the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic
beta cells, leading to an absolute deficiency of insulin production.
How does hyperthyroidism affect the body's temperature regulation?
✔✔Hyperthyroidism increases metabolic rate and heat production, often leading to heat
intolerance and excessive sweating due to elevated thyroid hormone levels.
What role do beta-adrenergic receptors play in the body's response to stress?
✔✔Beta-adrenergic receptors mediate the effects of catecholamines like epinephrine and
norepinephrine, promoting increased heart rate, bronchodilation, and enhanced energy
availability during stress.
What is the significance of measuring HbA1c in diabetes management?
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,✔✔HbA1c is a measure of average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months,
providing insight into long-term glycemic control and helping guide diabetes treatment
strategies.
Explain the pathophysiology behind polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
✔✔PCOS is characterized by hormonal imbalances, including elevated androgens and insulin
resistance, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, ovarian cysts, and various metabolic
complications.
What are the potential complications of untreated hypothyroidism?
✔✔Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to complications such as heart disease, infertility, and
myxedema coma, a rare but life-threatening condition.
How does the action of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) influence fluid balance?
✔✔ADH regulates fluid balance by promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys, thus
concentrating urine and reducing water loss during times of dehydration.
What is the impact of estrogen on bone health?
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, ✔✔Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density by inhibiting osteoclast activity,
which breaks down bone, and promoting the development of osteoblasts, which form new bone.
How does chronic stress affect cortisol levels and health outcomes?
✔✔Chronic stress can lead to sustained high levels of cortisol, which may result in various
health issues, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and immune system suppression.
What are the clinical manifestations of Addison's disease?
✔✔Clinical manifestations of Addison's disease include fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure,
hyperpigmentation of the skin, and electrolyte imbalances.
Describe the role of the endocrine system in regulating metabolism.
✔✔The endocrine system regulates metabolism through hormones like insulin, glucagon, thyroid
hormones, and cortisol, which collectively influence energy production, storage, and utilization.
Explain the relationship between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.
✔✔The hypothalamus regulates the pituitary gland's function by producing releasing and
inhibiting hormones, thus controlling the secretion of various pituitary hormones that affect other
endocrine glands.
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