Adrenal Gland Anatomy and Function

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What is the outermost layer of the adrenal cortex?

Zona fasciculata

Zona glomerulosa (correct)

Zona reticularis

Medulla

Which zone of the adrenal cortex produces androgens?

Zona fasciculata

Medulla

Zona reticularis (correct)

Zona glomerulosa

What is the primary function of the adrenal medulla?

To produce mineralocorticoids

To produce androgens

To produce glucocorticoids

To produce catecholamines (correct)

What is the result of excess aldosterone production?

Hypokalemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the condition caused by autonomous overproduction of aldosterone?

Hyperaldosteronism Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of primary hyperaldosteronism?

Adrenal adenoma Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Adrenal Saline Suppression Test?

To diagnose hyperaldosteronism Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of excess aldosterone on blood pH?

Metabolic alkalosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the ratio of plasma aldosterone to renin?

PAR ratio Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the condition caused by adrenal insufficiency?

Addison's disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of treatment in unilateral aldosterone increase due to adrenal adenoma?

Remove the tumor Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of cortisol hormone?

To increase blood glucose through gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of cortisol on the immune system?

Suppresses the immune system Signup and view all the answers

What is the cause of Cushing's syndrome due to exogenous corticosteroid medications?

Mimics the action of cortisol on tissues Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of high cortisol levels on ovarian and testicular functions?

Inhibits GnRH, decreasing LH and FSH release Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of cortisol on blood pressure regulation?

Increases blood pressure through vasoconstriction Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of cortisol on glucose metabolism?

Increases blood glucose levels through gluconeogenesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the cause of bilateral aldosterone increase?

Adrenal hyperplasia Signup and view all the answers

What is the treatment goal for bilateral aldosterone increase due to adrenal hyperplasia?

Suppress hyperplasia in zona glomerulosa Signup and view all the answers

What is the diagnosis method for Cushing's syndrome?

Both a and b Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the zona reticularis in the adrenal gland?

Secreting sex steroids Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for excessive growth of coarse hair in women in a male pattern?

Hirsutism Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of primary adrenal insufficiency in high-income countries?

Autoimmune destruction Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the sudden and severe adrenal insufficiency caused by bacterial infection?

Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary defect in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)?

Enzyme deficiency in the production of cortical steroids Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the zona glomerulosa in the adrenal gland?

Producing aldosterone Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the development of female physical characteristics in males?

Feminization Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)?

Hormonal therapy and supplementation Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the group of disorders characterized by disorders of sexual differentiation?

Adrenogenital syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the ACTH stimulation test?

To diagnose primary adrenal insufficiency Signup and view all the answers