Pre-Lab: Diagnosing Endocrine Disorders
Problem Can you diagnose an endocrine disorder based on a patient's symptoms?
Lab Manual Chapter 34 Lab
Skills Focus Analyze Data, Draw Conclusions, Relate Cause and Effect
Connect to the Organs of the endocrine system secrete hormones into the blood. Each hormone triggers a response in specific cells. Almost every cell in the body is affected by at least one hormone. The endocrine system regulates important processes such as growth, metabolism, and water balance. If one part of the endocrine system is not working properly, the body will be thrown off balance. If the imbalance is severe, it could threaten the health, or even the life, of a person.
Endocrinologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat disorders of the endocrine system. The clues these doctors use to solve their mysteries are a patient's symptoms and the results of lab tests. In this lab, you will model the process of diagnosing endocrine disorders.
Review Why doesn't every hormone affect every cell in the body?
Sequence Use a flowchart to describe the feedback loop for regulating the metabolic rate.
Use Analogies How are the hormones that regulate the level of glucose in the blood similar to the muscles that bend and straighten an arm?
Preview the procedure in the lab manual.
Interpret Tables When patients complain of fatigue they are usually referring to a lack of energy or motivation. Which conditions listed in the data table have fatigue as a symptom?
Apply Concepts Why do doctors typically use blood tests to diagnose endocrine disorders?
Infer Why is it important for physicians to consider the age and sex of a patient when diagnosing a disorder?
Visit Chapter 34 online to test yourself on chapter content and to find activities to help you learn.
Untamed Science Video The Untamed Science crew helps us better understand the role epinephrine plays in regulating our response to fear and danger.
Data Analysis Analyze data on the risk factors and effects of diabetes.
Art Review Review your understanding of the major endocrine glands in the body.
Art in Motion Watch how steroid and nonsteroid hormones act differently on cells.