Final answer:
Major diseases of the endocrine system include diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Cushing's Syndrome, and acromegaly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major diseases of the endocrine system include:
- Diabetes Mellitus: dysfunction of insulin production and secretion, leading to high blood glucose levels.
- Hypothyroidism: a condition characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones.
- Hyperthyroidism: a condition characterized by excessive production of thyroid hormones.
- Cushing's Syndrome: caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of the hormone cortisol.
- Acromegaly: excessive secretion of growth hormone after the closure of the growth plates, leading to enlarged bones and tissues.
The causes of these diseases vary. For example, Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Hypothyroidism can be caused by an autoimmune condition, iodine deficiency, or damage to the thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism can be caused by Grave's disease, an autoimmune disorder, or certain tumors.