MODULE SUPPLEMENT: ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Objectives
This module in the series on age related changes focuses on the endocrine system. Traditionally, the endocrine system included glands that secreted hormones that entered the blood or lymph to be carried to their target site to exert their effect. However, it is now understood that other tissues release chemical messengers that participate in the regulation and integration of body processes (Matfin, et al., 2002). Further, both the nervous and endocrine systems evolved in parallel; various parts of the two systems often use interchangeable components and messengers for communication; so neuroendocrinology studies secretions of neurons/organs whether or not they enter the blood stream. A better term for these chemical messengers is neuro-hormones.
While the list of organs and tissues that participate in regulating body processes is large, the focus of the current module will be on five endocrine glands outlined in the table below.
| Targeted Endocrine Glands |
Hypothalamus
Pituitary
Anterior
Posterior
Thyroid
Adrenal Gland
Cortex
Medulla
Pancreas
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Thus, the objectives of the current module are to enable the reader to:
1. Discuss the effects of age related changes on the endocrine function of the:
a) hypothalamus-pituitary (growth hormone; TSH; ACTH)-adrenal (cortisol; aldosterone; DHEA) system;
b) thyroid (TSH, T4, T3); and
c) pancreas (Insulin).
2. Evaluate the clinical implications of changes in the endocrine system with age as they relate to:
a) replacement therapy with growth hormone and DHEA
b) the evaluation of thyroid abnormalities
c) the diagnosis and treatment of glucose intolerance and diabetes
3. After completing the modules on the neurologic, endocrine, and musculoskeletal systems, evaluate their inter-relationships in how older adults respond to internal and external stressors.
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