NCMTC- Student Learning Guide
Health Professional Introductory Training
UNDERSTANDING HUMAN BODY STRUCTURE, FUNCTIONS AND
THEME
MALFUNCTIONS.
TOPIC ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
STUDY PERIOD 1 WEEK
TRAINING HOURS Student hours: 44 hours
Teacher hours: 40 hours
SUB-TOPICS Definition of various terms
Anatomical structure and function of the endocrine system
Hormonal classification and functions
Hormonal stimulation
Mechanism of hormonal control
Malfunctions of the endocrine system
BROAD OBJECTIVE By the end of the topic, students should demonstrate understanding of the structures,
functions, malfunctions, and aging process of the endocrine system
Understanding of basic terminologies as used in the endocrine system
Understanding the structural and functional organization of the endocrine system.
KEY COMPETENCIES
Understand the structures and functions of various components of the endocrine
system.
Understand common malfunctions associated with the endocrine system
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NCMTC- Student Learning Guide
Health Professional Introductory Training
1. Pre-test
2. Introductory lecture
3. Individual study and Group discussion
4. Tutorials
LEARNING PROCESS 5. Plenary discussions
6. Post tests
STUDY QUESTIONS 1. Define the following terms as used in endocrine system:
a) Gland
b) Hormone
c) Endocrine gland
d) Exocrine gland
e) Paracrine gland
f) Receptor
g) Endocrine stimulation
h) Endocrine Inhibition
2. Explain the general functions of the endocrine system.
3. Describe structural and functional organization of the endocrine system.
4. Describe the relationships between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.
5. Explain the classification of hormones
6. Explain the mechanism of hormone action
7. Describe the location of each of the following endocrine organs:
i. Hypothalamus
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NCMTC- Student Learning Guide
Health Professional Introductory Training
ii. Pituitary
iii. Pineal gland
iv. Thyroid
v. Thymus
vi. Parathyroid
vii. Pancreas
viii. Ovaries
ix. Testes
x. Adrenal glands
b) Name the hormones released in each of the glands in (a) above and their functions.
8. Identify the organs with a secondary endocrine function, the hormone they
produce, and its effects
9. Compare and contrast the thymus gland in infancy and adulthood; with examples,
describe the triggers for hormonal release.
10. Discuss how positive and negative feedback, as well as neural, humoral, and hormonal
stimuli, help regulate hormone levels. Provide relevant examples for each.
11. Compare and contrast between hormonal and neural controls of body functioning.
12. Development and Aging of the Endocrine System
a) Describe the embryonic origins of the endocrine system
b) Discuss the effects of aging on the endocrine system
13. Outline the disorders of each gland in the endocrine system.
ASSIGNMENTS A 33-year-old female presents to the outpatient clinic with complaints of progressive
weight gain over the past 7 months. She reports increasing fatigue, mood changes and
difficulty sleeping. She has also noticed purple stretch marks on her abdomen and easy
bruising. On examination, she has central obesity, a rounded face, mild hypertension
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NCMTC- Student Learning Guide
Health Professional Introductory Training
(150/95 mmHg) and proximal muscle weakness.
Laboratory investigations reveal:
Elevated plasma cortisol levels
Elevated ACTH levels
MRI shows a small mass in the anterior pituitary gland
Questions
1. Using the HPA axis pathway, explain the sequence of hormonal interactions that
could account for this patient’s elevated cortisol levels.
2. Describe the type of feedback mechanism that normally regulates cortisol secretion
in the HPA axis and explain why it may be ineffective in this patient.
3. Identify the specific hypothalamic and pituitary hormones involved in this axis and
state their mechanism of action.
4. Differentiate whether this condition is more consistent with primary adrenal
hyperfunction or secondary (pituitary-related) hyperfunction. Give reasons based on
the laboratory findings.
5. Explain two systemic physiological effects of prolonged excess cortisol that
account for this patient’s clinical features.
Self-Directed Learning Tutorial
STUDY METHODS Small Group Learning Demonstration
Lecture Plenary Presentation
1. J. Tortora, G., & H. Derrickson, B. (2016). Principles of Anatomy and Physiology
REFERENCE
(15th ed.). Wiley. [Link]
MATERIALS
2. Marieb, E., & M. Keller, S. (2019). Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology
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NCMTC- Student Learning Guide
Health Professional Introductory Training
Global Edition (12th ed.). Pearson UK. [Link]
3. Martini, F., L. Nath, J., & F. Bartholomew, E. (2023). Fundamentals of Anatomy
and Physiology: Global Edition (12th ed.). Pearson UK.
[Link]
4. E. Kateta, Mrs., J.M Shilula, Mrs., H.N Mulundu, Ms., & J. Mbise, Mrs. (2022).
Anatomy and Physiology A & B, NNAP 1501 (1st ed.). Welwitchia University
Press. [Link]
SUPERVISOR’S
REMARKS
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FACILITATOR