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PY8.1-7 | Introduction to Endocrine Physiology
Learning Objectives
- Describe the hypothalamo-pituitary axis — anterior and posterior pituitary hormones, their regulation and effects (PY8.1)
- Describe thyroid hormone synthesis, regulation, and actions; explain the pathophysiology of hypo- and hyperthyroidism (PY8.2)
- Describe adrenal cortical and medullary hormones — synthesis, regulation, and clinical features of excess and deficiency (PY8.3)
- Describe glucose homeostasis — insulin and glucagon actions, pathophysiology of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (PY8.4)
- Describe calcium and phosphate regulation — PTH, calcitonin, Vitamin D — and the pathophysiology of hypo/hypercalcaemia (PY8.5)
- Describe growth hormone — secretion, actions, and the pathophysiology of gigantism, acromegaly, and dwarfism (PY8.6)
- Interpret common endocrine function tests — thyroid function, HbA1c, glucose tolerance, cortisol stimulation (PY8.7)
INSTRUCTIONS
This module integrates biochemistry, physiology, and clinical medicine around the endocrine system — the body's chemical messenger network. Begin with the hypothalamus and pituitary as the master control, then follow each hormone to its target organ. Pay special attention to feedback loops — the most common source of MCQ questions and the key to understanding both physiology and pharmacology. Estimated time: 65 minutes.
References
- Guyton & Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th ed., Unit XIV: Endocrinology and Reproduction (textbook)
- Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th ed., Section VI: Endocrine Physiology (textbook)
- OpenStax Anatomy & Physiology 2e, Chapter 17: The Endocrine System (CC BY 4.0) (textbook (CC BY 4.0))
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine — Endocrinology chapters (for clinical correlations) (reference)
Version 2.0 | NMC CBUC 2024