At completion of this unit, the student will be able to...

1. Describe the normal anatomy, histology, and functions of endocrine cells in the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals and parathyroids.

2. Explain the pathogenesis of hyperfunctional conditions of anterior pituitary cells. Classify pituitary tumors and list at least three syndromes that may develop as a result of pituitary neoplasia.

3. Describe the symptoms of anterior and posterior pituitary insufficiency and explain their causes.

4. Understand the non-endocrine effects of pituitary diseases (tumors pressing on optic nerves, other parts of the brain).

5. Understand the nature of pituitary dwarfism, pituitary gigantism, acromegaly, Cushing disease, Nelson syndrome, Sheehan syndrome, and empty sella syndrome.

6. Define Graves disease. Explain the pathogenesis and major symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

7. Distinguish cretinism from myxedema, and describe the pathogenesis of each. List four causes of hypothyroidism and five principal symptoms of this condition.

8. Consider the differential diagnosis of Hashimoto thyroiditis versus two other types of thyroiditis. Describe the pathogenesis and symptoms of each form.

9. Define goiter and consider the pathogenesis of this condition.

10. Classify thyroid neoplasms. Contrast and compare papillary versus follicular carcinoma of the thyroid.

11. Distinguish Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome from Addison disease. Describe the pathogenesis and the major signs and symptoms of each.

12. Distinguish Cushing disease from Cushing syndrome. What are the major pathogenetic factors in each, and the major clinical signs and symptoms?

13. What is the pathogenesis of virilizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia?

14. Describe two major neoplasms that arise in the adrenal medulla. Which is/are associated with excessive secretion of catecholamines? Describe the major symptoms and biologic behavior of each.

15. List three causes of primary hyperparathyroidism. Explain the typical clinical symptoms and laboratory findings observed in hyperparathyroidism.

16. Define secondary parathyroid hyperplasia, its pathogenesis, clinical symptoms and signs.

17. What are three major causes of hypoparathyroidism? Explain the pathogenesis of each and describe the clinical signs and symptoms that are common to each.

18. What important calcium-regulating hormone does medullary carcinoma of the thyroid secrete? Explain the pathophysiology of the clinical syndrome associated with these neoplasms.

19. Define the listed Keywords.

20. Be able to identify, from projected slides, each of the diseases/processes in the Supplemental Image Database.