Endocrine

Anatomy

Region: Retroperitoneal, atop each kidney.
Key Structures: Cortex — zona Glomerulosa, Fasciculata, Reticularis — over the medulla.
Clinical Correlation: A medullary tumor → pheochromocytoma (catecholamines); cortical destruction → Addison’s disease.

High-Yield Pearl

“GFR — Salt, Sugar, Sex”: aldosterone, cortisol, androgens; the medulla makes catecholamines.

Region: Sella turcica, beneath the hypothalamus.
Key Structures: Anterior (ACTH, TSH, FSH, LH, GH, prolactin) and posterior (ADH, oxytocin — synthesized in the hypothalamus).
Clinical Correlation: Adenomas compress the optic chiasm → bitemporal hemianopia; prolactinoma is the most common type.

High-Yield Pearl

A pituitary adenoma presses on the optic chiasm → bitemporal hemianopia (tunnel vision).

Region: Anterior neck, overlying the trachea.
Key Structures: Two thyroid lobes + isthmus; four parathyroid glands posteriorly; the recurrent laryngeal nerves run alongside.
Clinical Correlation: Thyroidectomy risks recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (hoarseness) and hypoparathyroidism (hypocalcemia).

High-Yield Pearl

After thyroidectomy, watch for hoarseness (RLN) and perioral tingling/tetany (hypocalcemia).