Mary Keeper’s Aching Head

By Brent J.F. Hill

Abstract

In this problem-based learning case, students read about a 41-year-old woman who is suffering from recurring headaches. Working in small groups, the students analyze a variety of information and then formulate a diagnosis. This case study was developed for a two-semester anatomy and physiology course that is aimed at sophomore and junior level undergraduate students. These students are typically biology or health science majors who are pre-med, pre-nursing, or pre-physical therapy.

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Date Posted

05/15/2006

Overview

Objectives

Learn the difference between a primary and secondary endocrine pathology.
Understand how negative feedback loops influence thyroid hormones, LH, and FSH levels.
Understand the physiological function of thyroid and parathyroid hormones.
Learn that pituitary adenomas affect hormone secretion from the pituitary gland.

Keywords

Endocrinology; endocrine pathology; thyroid gland; hyperthyroidism; hyperparathyroidism; Graves disease; Graves’ disease; thyroid hormones; LH; FSH; TSH; parathyroid hormones; pituitary adenoma; hormone secretion; pituitary gland

Subject Headings

Medicine (General)

Nursing

Physiology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Problem-Based Learning