Author Question: Diagnostics tests are often described by their sensitivity and specificity for a specific disease or ... (Read 94 times)

abarnes · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

Diagnostics tests are often described by their sensitivity and specificity for a specific disease or disorder, which indicates how likely a test is able to detect a particular disease without producing an erroneous result. Research the terms sensitivity and specificity and explain which one refers to the ability to detect a disease and which refers to the ability to distinguish a disease.

Question 2

Describe how the negative feedback system of the endocrine system is like a thermostat that controls the temperature of your home. Why are TSH levels inversely related to circulating thyroid hormone levels?

What will be an ideal response?

robbielu01 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Sensitivity refers to the ability to detect a given condition or disease. This term describes how likely the test is to pick up all occurrences of the disease. Specificity refers to the ability to distinguish a disease from other diseases, or the ability to detect individuals without the condition or disease.

Answer to Question 2

A thermostat maintains a set temperature by turning the system on and off in response to the surrounding temperature. The thyroid responds to the level of TSH in the same way a thermostat responds to changes in temperature. The thyroid is charged with maintaining a set metabolic rate in order to maintain body temperature. TSH levels increase in order to induce the thyroid to increase the metabolic rate. If the thyroid fails to respond adequately, TSH continues to rise. Too little thyroid hormone causes TSH levels to rise in an attempt to prompt the thyroid gland for more thyroid hormone.