Adrenal Gland Overview and Functions

A hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, stress response, and inflammation.

The process of producing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources like proteins and fats. It is stimulated by cortisol.

A process where cortisol breaks down muscle protein to provide energy for the body.

A process where cortisol stimulates the production of plasma proteins in the liver.

A type of fat breakdown stimulated by cortisol, releasing fatty acids for energy.

The breakdown of glycogen stores in the liver, releasing glucose into the bloodstream, triggered by cortisol.

A condition caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, leading to symptoms like weight gain, muscle weakness, and skin changes.

A medication containing hydrocortisone, a synthetic cortisol, used to treat inflammatory conditions like asthma and allergies.

A group of hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, including cortisol. They regulate a wide range of bodily functions.

The inner part of the adrenal gland, responsible for producing adrenaline and noradrenaline.

A hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that helps regulate blood pressure and electrolyte balance.

Aldosterone's main action in the kidneys involves reabsorbing sodium (Na+) from the urine.

Aldosterone also promotes the secretion of potassium (K+) into the urine.

Aldosterone also helps in removing hydrogen ions (H+) from the body.

A male sex hormone essential for key functions like sperm production and development of physical male characteristics.

Testosterone is vital for the production of red blood cells in both males and females.

Testosterone plays a crucial role in developing secondary sex characteristics, such as facial hair, deep voice, and muscle mass.

A tumor of the adrenal medulla that causes excessive production of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

The primary hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla that regulates heart rate and blood pressure.

Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, mainly responsible for regulating blood volume and electrolyte balance. It acts on the kidneys to promote sodium (Na+) reabsorption, potassium (K+) secretion, and hydrogen (H+) removal.

Aldosterone's main action is to increase sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, contributing to the retention of water and maintaining blood pressure.

Aldosterone also promotes the secretion of potassium into the urine, helping to regulate the levels of this important electrolyte.

Aldosterone can also stimulate the excretion of hydrogen ions in the urine, contributing to acid-base balance in the body.

Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, is vital for the production of red blood cells (erythropoiesis) in both men and women.

In males, testosterone is essential for spermatogenesis, the process of sperm cell formation.

Testosterone contributes to the development of male secondary sex characteristics, such as a deep voice, facial hair, and a more muscular build.

In females, testosterone is converted into estrogen in adipose tissue. While estrogen is the primary female sex hormone, testosterone is still important for female health.

The adrenal medulla, the inner part of the adrenal gland, primarily secretes two hormones: adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). These hormones are crucial for the 'fight-or-flight' response and are involved in regulating heart rate, blood pressure, and various other physiological functions.

The primary hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, stress response, and inflammation.

Cortisol stimulates the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources like proteins and fats.

Cortisol breaks down muscle proteins for energy. This happens due to the body's need to use alternative energy sources in stressful situations.

Cortisol promotes the production of plasma proteins (proteins in the blood) in the liver. Plasma proteins help with various bodily functions like transporting substances and maintaining blood volume.

Cortisol triggers the breakdown of fats (lipolysis), releasing fatty acids into the bloodstream that can be used for energy. This is part of the body's stress response, aiming to provide fuel.

Glucocorticoids help maintain normal arterial blood pressure by influencing heart muscle strength (myocardial contractility) and reducing substances that dilate blood vessels (vasodilator prostaglandins). This helps regulate blood flow.

Glucocorticoids can reduce inflammation by blocking the release of substances that trigger inflammation. They also have a bronchodilator effect, opening up airways. This makes them useful in treating conditions like asthma.

Cushing syndrome occurs when the body is chronically exposed to high levels of cortisol, leading to symptoms like weight gain, muscle weakness, and changes in fat distribution (moon face, thin extremities).

Hydrocortisone is a synthetic version of cortisol, commonly used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions including bronchial asthma (difficulty breathing) and allergic reactions.

The adrenal medulla is the inner part of the adrenal gland, mainly responsible for producing adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). These hormones are crucial for the 'fight-or-flight' response.

It increases sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, which leads to water retention and helps maintain blood pressure.

It also promotes the secretion of potassium into the urine, helping to control potassium levels.

Aldosterone helps regulate blood pressure by acting on the kidneys to control sodium reabsorption.

It is essential for spermatogenesis, the process of sperm cell formation.

It is a tumor of the adrenal medulla that causes excessive production of adrenaline and noradrenaline.

The outer layer of the adrenal gland that produces hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens.

A hormone produced by the adrenal cortex responsible for regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance. It works by affecting sodium and potassium levels in the kidneys.

A hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that helps regulate carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. It also has anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects.

A process where cortisol breaks down muscle proteins to provide energy for the body. This happens during stressful situations.

A process where cortisol stimulates the production of plasma proteins in the liver, which helps with various bodily functions.

The breakdown of fat stores, releasing fatty acids for energy. This is stimulated by cortisol during stressful situations.

The inner part of the adrenal gland responsible for producing adrenaline and noradrenaline, hormones that are crucial for the body's 'fight-or-flight' response.

A group of hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, including cortisol. They regulate a wide range of bodily functions.