Adrenal Gland Functions and Hormones

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Questions and Answers

What hormone is released under the effect of ACTH?

Noradrenaline

Cortisol (correct)

Glucagon

Adrenaline

Glucocorticoids promote muscle anabolism in extra hepatic tissues.

False

What is a characteristic clinical feature of Cushing syndrome?

Central obesity or moon face

Cortisol is often used to treat __________ and allergic conditions.

bronchial asthma Signup and view all the answers

Match the following metabolic functions with their respective processes influenced by glucocorticoids:

Gluconeogenesis = Carbohydrate metabolism Lipolysis = Fat metabolism Catabolic = Extra hepatic tissue Anabolic = Intra hepatic tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of glucocorticoids?

Decrease glucose release from the liver Signup and view all the answers

Adrenaline is a type of glucocorticoid.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one effect of glucocorticoids on the vascular system.

Maintain normal arterial blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

Cushing syndrome is caused by excessive __________ exposure.

glucocorticoids Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the adrenal gland primarily produces catecholamines?

Adrenal medulla Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of mineralocorticoids, specifically aldosterone?

Promotes sodium reabsorption Signup and view all the answers

Androgens are only sourced from the testis in males.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one clinical application involving the adrenal medulla.

Pheochromocytoma Signup and view all the answers

Adrenaline has a greater effect on ______ contractility.

cardiac Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a function of androgens in females?

Converted into estrogen in adipose tissue Signup and view all the answers

Match the following hormones with their major actions:

Aldosterone = Na reabsorption in kidneys Testosterone = Spermatogenesis in males Adrenaline = Increases cardiac contractility Noradrenaline = Increases arterial blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

Mineralocorticoids promote potassium secretion in the kidneys.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are the secondary sex characteristics affected by testosterone in males?

Facial hair, deep voice, thick skin Signup and view all the answers

Catecholamines consist of and .

adrenaline, noradrenaline Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Adrenal Gland

The adrenal cortex produces three main types of hormones: glucocorticoids (like cortisol), mineralocorticoids (like aldosterone), and androgens (like testosterone).
Glucocorticoids regulate carbohydrate metabolism, protein metabolism, and fat metabolism, and affect vascular systems.
Mineralocorticoids regulate sodium and potassium levels in the body.
Androgens are responsible for secondary sex characteristics in both males and females.

Adrenal Cortex Function

Glucocorticoids (Cortisol):
- Released by ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)
- Involved in carbohydrate metabolism (gluconeogenesis, increasing glucose release from liver)
- Regulates protein metabolism (catabolic in extrahepatic tissues, anabolic in intrahepatic tissues)
- Impacts fat metabolism (lipolysis)
- Influences blood pressure and vascular function (maintaining normal blood pressure, reducing prostaglandin production, decreasing vascular permeability)
- Also demonstrates bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects.
Clinical Application of Glucocorticoids (Cushing Syndrome):
- Chronic exposure to excess glucocorticoids results in Cushing syndrome.
- Patients exhibit symptoms including hyperglycemia, muscle weakness, redistribution of fat (central obesity, moon face, thin extremities).
- Related symptoms also include thinning hair, thin skin, stretch marks, bruising, and reddish cheeks.
Clinical Application of Glucocorticoids (Hydrocortisone):
- Used for conditions including bronchial asthma and allergic reactions.
Mineralocorticoids (Aldosterone):
- Act on the kidneys, regulating sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion.
- Important for maintaining electrolyte balance.
- Elevated serum sodium levels are a common result of the hormone.

Adrenal Medulla

The Adrenal medulla secretes mostly adrenaline (80%) and noradrenaline (20%).
Adrenaline:
- Has a stronger effect on cardiac contractility.
Noradrenaline:
- Has a stronger effect on blood pressure (via vasoconstriction)
Clinical Application (Pheochromocytoma):
- A tumor of the adrenal medulla, causing excessive catecholamine production.
- Patients often experience tachycardia (rapid heart rate), hypertension (high blood pressure), and anxiety.

Androgens (Testosterone)

Essential for erythropoiesis (red blood cell production) in both sexes.
Spermatogenesis (sperm production) is an important function in males.
In males, androgens are responsible for secondary sex characteristics (e.g., beard growth, voice change, body hair).
In females, they are converted to estrogen in adipose tissue and promote axillary and pubic hair growth.

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Description

This quiz explores the functions and hormones produced by the adrenal gland, focusing on the roles of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens. It covers their impact on metabolism, fluid balance, and secondary sex characteristics. Test your knowledge on these critical hormones and their regulatory functions.