High-Yield Endocrine Physiology: Pathways & Disorders Explained

Disorders Simplified

• Graves' Disease: An autoimmune condition that results in hyperthyroidism due to overstimulation of the thyroid gland by autoantibodies targeting TSH receptors. Common symptoms include weight loss, heat intolerance, rapid heartbeat, and bulging eyes (exophthalmos).

  • Tip: Think of "Grave danger" to remember that everything speeds up in the body – like heart rate and metabolism. Graves' disease is like the body being in overdrive.

• Cushing's Syndrome: Results from excessive cortisol production, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, and fat accumulation in specific areas (such as the face and back). It can occur due to long-term steroid use or tumors in the adrenal or pituitary gland.

  • Tip: Picture a "Cushion" – the body has too much "cushioning" due to excess fat deposits. This visual will help you recall the weight gain and fat redistribution characteristic of the syndrome.