A Case of a Pheochromocytoma

By David F. Dean (rr)

Abstract

“Rollie Hendrix,” a 35-year-old husband and father of three children, has been experiencing headaches and palpitations of increasing frequency and severity over the past six months. In addition, he has had periods of intense anxiety and panic attacks. Students read about these symptoms and then answer a set of directed questions designed to teach facts and principles of anatomy and physiology using reference books, textbooks, the Internet, and each other as sources of information. The case has been used in both a sophomore-level course in human anatomy and physiology and a senior-level course in general physiology.

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Date Posted

10/29/2004

Overview

Objectives

Learn the meaning of the term “functional neoplasm” as it relates to benign neoplasms arising from endocrine organs.
Understand the role of the adrenal medulla in the “fight-or-flight” response.
Undertsand the effects that hormones of the adrenal medulla have upon the cardiovascular system.
Understand the effect that catecholamines have upon a variety of target cells and tissues throughout the body.
Learn about classification scheme of adrenergic receptor subtypes, and the concept of receptor-medicated target cell response.
Learn about the medical and surgical management of pheochromocytomas.

Keywords

Pheochromocytoma; functional neoplasm; catecholamine; adrenal medulla; adrenergic receptor subtypes; sympathetic division; autonomic nervous system; fight-or-flight response

Subject Headings

Anatomy

Neuroscience

Physiology

Psychology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Directed