Skip to main content
 

Chemical Eric

Dealing with the Disintegration of Central Control

By Eric Ribbens

Chemical Eric


 

Abstract

This case study is designed to teach introductory biology majors about the role of the pituitary in controlling hormones. It could easily be applied or modified to fit a variety of other courses, including a non-majors introductory biology course or any of a variety of human health-related courses, particularly human anatomy and physiology. It presents an actual case of a boy who begins to show the first signs of a pituitary tumor at the age of 11. The case chronicles his symptoms and medical conditions (and crises) through age 45. By examining the effects of pituitary disruption and tracing them back to their hormonal causes, students gain an understanding of the role of the pituitary in controlling a variety of hormones as well as the cascade of effects triggered by high-level pituitary hormones.

   

Date Posted

01/06/2006

Overview

Objectives

  • To present a story of pituitary disruption, and thus bring the list of pituitary functions to life.
  • To see the effects of the pituitary on a variety of physiological functions.
  • To introduce students to problem-solving and working from data to theory.

Keywords

Endocrinology; endocrine pathology; pituitary gland; hormonal dysfunction; homeostasis; luteinizing hormone; LH; follicle-stimulating hormone; FSH; tumor; pituitary adenoma; acromegaly; diabetes insipidus

  

Subject Headings

Anatomy
Biology (General)
Medicine (General)
Physiology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Interrupted

 

 

Asset 2