7 topics with concise reviews: definitions, key facts, and class questions.
The endocrine system is the conductor of metabolism, and pathological anatomy studies the morphological substrate of its "false notes". In this chapter, we will analyze the general principles of endocrine pathology, as well as examine in detail the changes in the islet apparatus of the pancreas, the thyroid and parathyroid glands, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands.
In practical classes and exams, instructors traditionally focus on the morphology of diabetes mellitus (especially diabetic macro- and microangiopathies), the classification of goiter, and histological types of thyroid cancer. You will also definitely be asked about the morphological manifestations of hyper- and hypofunction syndromes of the adrenal glands and hormonally active pituitary adenomas.
Understanding these processes is a fundamental skill for developing clinical thinking. Pay special attention to micropreparations: without the ability to visually distinguish papillary thyroid carcinoma from follicular carcinoma, passing this section successfully will be extremely difficult. Learn to see the direct link between cellular changes and patient symptoms.
Why is any endocrine disease considered pluriglandular?
Because all endocrine glands are tightly interconnected into a single network, primarily through the hypothalamic-pituitary system. Morphological or functional damage to one gland inevitably causes compensatory or pathological changes in others.
What is the difference between MODY diabetes and classical type 2 diabetes mellitus?
MODY diabetes is a monogenic disease with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Unlike polygenic type 2 diabetes, it occurs at a young age, patients maintain a normal body weight, and lipid metabolism disorders are practically absent.
What is the difference between endemic and sporadic goiter?
Endemic goiter is caused by iodine deficiency in specific geographical regions. Sporadic goiter occurs universally, and its causes are not precisely established (likely genetic defects in iodine metabolism).
What is the microscopic difference in parathyroid adenoma?
In most cases, it is a clear cell adenoma. It consists predominantly of chief cells that form solid, follicular, and trabecular structures.
What is the difference between pituitary microadenomas and macroadenomas?
The classification is based on tumor size: microadenomas have a diameter of up to 10 mm, and macroadenomas are 10 mm and larger. Moreover, macroadenomas can fill the entire sella turcica.
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