The document discusses the endocrine system and hypercalcemia. It describes the endocrine system as a collection of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate target tissues, maintaining homeostasis. It then defines hypercalcemia as a condition of excessive calcium in the blood and lists potential causes like cancer or primary hyperparathyroidism. The document concludes by stating diagnosis of hypercalcemia is made by checking calcium levels and treatment aims to lower calcium levels while also addressing the underlying cause.

1. Chapter 11 Presentation: The
Endocrine System and
Hypercalcemia
Michaelia Fosses
Summer 2012

2. Endocrine System
• The collection of glands in the endocrine system secrete
hormones into the bloodstream
• This is in contrast to the exocrine system, which secretes
fluids into a duct
• Hormones are chemicals secreted by a gland to control the
function of a target tissue

3. Endocrine System
• Hormones are secreted
into the bloodstream
and work on a target
organ or tissue,
increasing or
decreasing its activity
level
• The endocrine system
maintains homeostasis
in the body—a stable
internal environment

4. Endocrine System - Composition
Gland Major Hormones
2 Adrenal Glands Cortisol, Aldosterone, Epinephrine,
Norepinephrine
2 Ovaries (female) Estrogen, Progesterone
2 Testes (male) Testosterone
4 Parathyroid Glands Parathyroid Hormone
1 Pancreas Insulin, Glucagon
1 Pineal Gland Melatonin
1 Thymus Thymosin
1 Pituitary Gland PRL, FSH, LH, GH, TSH, ACTH
1 Thyroid T3, T4

5. Hypercalcemia
• A condition of excessive
calcium in the blood
• Mild hypercalcemia is often
asymptomatic
• Symptoms of moderate to
severe hypercalcemia include
nausea, excessive thirst, loss of
appetite, frequent urination,
muscle weakness and
abdominal pain, among others

6. Hypercalcemia - Causes
• Hypercalcemia can have
several causes
• Certain types of cancer
can cause hypercalcemia
• Primary
hyperparathyroidism can
cause hypercalcemia
through excessive
secretion of parathyroid
hormone (PTH), which
increases blood calcium
levels

7. Hypercalcemia – Diagnosis/Treatment
• Diagnosis of hypercalcemia is made by
checking blood calcium levels
• Treatment of the hypercalcemia is done to
return calcium to a safe level
• Treatment of the cause of the hypercalcemia
depends on the cause

8. References
• www.mayoclinic.com
• Medical Terminology: A Living Language.
Fregman, Bonnie F. and Suzanne S. Frucht.
Pearson, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.
2009.