Week 8. Anatomy and Physiology of Endocrine System.

Objective: 

To introduce students to the structures, functions, and clinical significance of the endocrine system, with a focus on hormone regulation and common endocrine disorders.

Day 1 - Introduction to the Endocrine System

  • Topics Covered:

    • Functions of the endocrine system

    • Difference between endocrine and exocrine glands

    • Hormones and their roles in homeostasis

    • Interaction between nervous and endocrine systems

  • Activities:

    • Lecture with visual diagrams

    • Group brainstorming: examples of hormones in daily life

    • Matching exercise: gland to primary function

Day 2 - Major Endocrine Glands (Part 1)

  • Topics Covered:

    • Hypothalamus: control center of endocrine system

    • Pituitary gland: anterior and posterior lobes, hormones produced

    • Thyroid gland: structure, hormones (T3, T4, calcitonin)

  • Activities:

    • Diagram labeling of brain endocrine glands

    • Mini quiz on hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid

    • Case discussion: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism

Day 3 - Major Endocrine Glands (Part 2)

  • Topics Covered:

    • Parathyroid glands: parathyroid hormone (PTH)

    • Adrenal glands: cortex and medulla hormones

    • Pancreas: endocrine function (insulin, glucagon)

  • Activities:

    • Diagram labeling of adrenal glands and pancreas

    • Matching activity: hormone to function

    • Short quiz on adrenal and pancreatic hormones

    • Medical Assistant Training Program

    • Week 4 - Anatomy & Physiology: Cardiovascular System

Day 4 - Other Hormone-Secreting Organs & Hormone Regulation

  • Topics Covered:

    • Pineal gland, thymus, gonads (testes, ovaries)

    • Feedback mechanisms: negative vs. positive feedback

    • Hormonal interactions with other systems

  • Activities:

    • Feedback loop diagram creation

    • Case study: insulin-glucagon regulation

    • Group activity: identify effects of hormone imbalances

Day 5 - Endocrine Disorders

  • Topics Covered:

    • Diabetes mellitus, Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease, Graves' disease, pituitary disorders

    • Diagnostic methods: blood tests, imaging

    • Patient education and lifestyle modifications

  • Activities:

    • Case study discussions on endocrine disorders

    • Role-play: explaining diabetes management to a patient

    • End-of-week review quiz

Assessment & Homework

  • Assessment:

    • End-of-week quiz (20-25 questions: multiple choice, labeling, short answer)

  • Homework:

    • Read endocrine system chapter in A&P textbook

    • Complete endocrine gland labeling worksheets

    • Write a brief summary of one endocrine disorder and its prevention