Endocrine System

Learning Objectives

• Hypothalamus and Pituitary
  • Describe the five commonest presentations of hypothalamic/pituitary disease and correlate these to pathophysiology and diagnostic testing.

• Thyroid
  • Describe the physiology of the thyroid gland.
  • Explain presentation, pathophysiology, testing, and treatment of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
  • Describe the approach to neck masses, including thyroid masses (embryology & investigation) and non-thyroid masses.

• Adrenal / Glands
  • Describe the physiology of the adrenal glands.
  • Explain presentation, pathophysiology, and testing of hypercortisolism and adrenocortical insufficiency (acute & chronic)

• Glucose Metabolism
  • Explain the etiology of hyperglycemia and the function of insulin and the counter-regulatory hormones.
  • Explain the physiology and pharmacology of glucose.
  • Describe the natural history of hyperglycemia (acute & chronic)

• Calcium & Phosphorus
  • Describe the structure of the bone.
  • Describe the physiology of calcium & phosphorus.
  • Explain investigation of hypercalcemia.