Biol 257 Assignment 4

BIOL 257 Assignment 3 Jamie Boyd

Part I

1. Ellie’s first actions of dropping her backpack and sighing concern me as a begin reading. Ellie continuously makes remarks about having no hope and feeling like she will fail no matter what. Also, her appearance according to Dr. Kern is alarming. Dr. Kern observes that Ellie is very thin, perhaps too thin.

2. I think Ellie is stressed, but it seems she may have some depression or anxiety as well. Going by her appearance, her thinness leads me to think she may have some type of eating disorder that she may use to help cope with her stress.

Part II

1. The thyroid gland is located in anterior neck overlying the trachea.

2. T3, T4, and Calcitonin are the three hormones secreted by the thyroid gland. T3 is the more active of the two iodine-containing hormones and is formed at target tissues by conversion of T4 to T3. T4 is secreted in larger amounts by the thyroid. Calcitonin is released to respond to high calcium levels in the blood. Its function is to lower calcium in the blood and increase the intake of calcium by bones.

3. Bulging eyes is a sign of Grave’s disease which is a disease caused by the thyroid producing too many hormones.

4. Any time there is dysfunction in the body, inflammation will occur. Because the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, the gland has become inflamed and shows swelling in the neck.

5. Based on the information I have so far, I believe Ellie’s thyroid gland is hyperactive. If it was functioning normally, she would have more energy and also be able to sleep. She also would not look nearly as thin.

6. If Ellie has a hyperactive thyroid, her hormone levels will be high. If Ellie has a hypoactive thyroid, her hormones levels will be low.

Part III

1. There is a good chance Ellie has Graves’ disease which can be the reason behind her increased hormones being secreted.

2. Ellie is correct about TSH being a thyroid hormone because it does...