MLAB 2401
Clinical Chemistry
Chapter: Endocrinology
Learning Objectives
At the end of this unit, the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Describe three (3) chemical types and five (5) functions of hormones.
Describe the functions of the anterior and posterior pituitary.
Define the anatomic relationship between the pituitary and the hypothalamus.
Describe the concept of feedback mechanisms and relate this to the function of
the various hypothalamic-pituitary-endocrine target gland loops.
5. Differentiate between tropic and direct effector hormones.
6. Explain the differences between primary and secondary endocrine deficiency
states.
7. Describe the clinical features of the excess and deficiency states for vasopressin.
8. Recognize synonyms for vasopressin.
9. Briefly describe the hypothalamus gland and relate how it controls other glands.
10. Compare and contrast neurohypophysis with adenohypophysis.
11. List and describe the effects of hormones secreted by the adenohypophysis.
12. Compare/contrast negative and positive feedback loops.
13. Describe the location and anatomy of the thyroid gland.
14. Describe the function of:
a. Follicular cells of the thyroid
b. Parathyroid cells of the thyroid
15. Describe steps in the synthesis, release, and control of thyroid hormones.
16. Describe the source and function of calcitonin.
17. Briefly explain the principles of the BMR and PBI tests in thyroid assessment.
18. Describe how PBI is used.
19. Trace the pathway of thyroid hormone formation and distribution.
20. Contrast the following:
i. hypothyroid
ii. hyperthyroid
iii. euthyroid
21. Briefly describe the disease conditions associated with thyroid antibodies.
22. State the hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands and describe its function.
23. Describe the effect of calcitonin on PTH.
24. Describe how increased or decreased levels of PTH affect calcium and
phosphoric concentrations.
25. Define:
a. Hypoparathyroidism
b. Hyperparathyroidism
26. Describe the effect of increased or decreased amounts of GH.
27. Explain the primary function of prolactin and how the determination of its
concentration is most used.
28. List three (3) conditions that result in increased concentration of ACTH.
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MLAB 2401
Clinical Chemistry
29. Describe the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland.
30. Classify the steroid hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex and provide
examples.
31. Identify the main mineralocorticoid and describe its action.
32. List at least three (3) actions that cortisol is capable of initiating.
33. Explain the effects of diurnal variation on hormone levels.
34. State the reference values for cortisol.
35. Describe how cortisol circulates in the body and how it is excreted.
36. List the two most significant androgens produced.
37. Describe the action of hormones produced by the adrenal medulla.
38. List two (2) products produced in the metabolism of catecholamine hormones.
39. Identify three (3) reasons for measuring urinary catecholamine levels.
40. State the two (2) groupings of female sex hormones.
41. Indicate the most important estrogen and state the major reasons for its
measurement.
42. Describe the origin and function of progesterone.
43. State two (2) major hormones produced by the placenta and tests used to
determine them.
44. Describe the role of inhibin.
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