Questions and Answers
Which hormone is primarily produced by the zona glomerulosa?
The zona fasciculata produces mineralocorticoids.
False
What is the primary function of aldosterone?
Sodium conservation in the kidneys and regulation of blood pressure.
The inner medulla of the adrenal glands is derived from __________.
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Match the following zones of the adrenal glands with their primary functions:
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Which zone of the adrenal cortex releases cortisol?
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The zona intermedia consists of differentiated cells that directly secrete hormones.
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Name one condition associated with increased cortisol levels.
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What is the main role of aldosterone produced by the zona glomerulosa?
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The zona reticularis primarily produces glucocorticoids.
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What type of cells make up the zona intermedia?
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The adrenal glands are composed of an outer cortex and an inner __________.
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Which of the following hormones are produced by the zona fasciculata?
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Match the adrenal cortex zone with its correct hormone type:
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The adrenal cortex is derived from ectoderm.
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What is the primary role of ghrelin in the digestive system?
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Which hormone produced by the kidneys is involved in the regulation of blood pressure?
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Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) primarily targets which structure to reduce blood pressure?
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Which type of adipocytes are responsible for secreting leptin?
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Which of the following substances is produced by enteroendocrine cells?
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Study Notes
Adrenal Glands Structure
- Composed of an outer cortex from intermediate mesoderm and an inner medulla from neural crest ectoderm.
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Zonation of adrenal cortex:
- Zona Glomerulosa: Outermost layer.
- Zona Fasciculata: Inner cortex.
- Zona Reticularis: Innermost layer.
- Zona Intermedia: Narrow band of undifferentiated cells, serving as stem cells for cortex regeneration.
Zona Glomerulosa
- Arranged in tufts in ruminants and humans; arches in horses, pigs, and carnivores.
- Primary source of mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone and corticosterone).
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Aldosterone Role:
- Promotes sodium conservation in kidneys, salivary glands, sweat glands, and colon.
- Regulates blood pressure and plasma levels of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+).
- Integral to the renin-angiotensin–aldosterone system.
Zona Fasciculata
- Composed of columns of spherical cells arranged in fascicles, interspersed with sinusoids.
- Produces glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol and cortisone).
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Cortisol Functions:
- Decreases pain sensitivity.
- Manages heart disease, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
- Suppresses the immune system.
- Affects memory, attention, and digestion.
Zona Reticularis
- Formed by polyhedral cells in anastomosing patterns and large sinusoids.
- Synthesizes small quantities of androgens, which contribute to male characteristics and function as weak sex steroids.
Adrenal Medulla
- Comprises large sympathetic ganglia cells with vascular sinusoids.
- Contains chromaffin cells, responsible for secreting epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).
- Key function: Initiates the fight-or-flight response, stimulating the sympathetic nervous system.
Adrenal Glands Structure
- Composed of an outer cortex from intermediate mesoderm and an inner medulla from neural crest ectoderm.
-
Zonation of adrenal cortex:
- Zona Glomerulosa: Outermost layer.
- Zona Fasciculata: Inner cortex.
- Zona Reticularis: Innermost layer.
- Zona Intermedia: Narrow band of undifferentiated cells, serving as stem cells for cortex regeneration.
Zona Glomerulosa
- Arranged in tufts in ruminants and humans; arches in horses, pigs, and carnivores.
- Primary source of mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone and corticosterone).
-
Aldosterone Role:
- Promotes sodium conservation in kidneys, salivary glands, sweat glands, and colon.
- Regulates blood pressure and plasma levels of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+).
- Integral to the renin-angiotensin–aldosterone system.
Zona Fasciculata
- Composed of columns of spherical cells arranged in fascicles, interspersed with sinusoids.
- Produces glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol and cortisone).
-
Cortisol Functions:
- Decreases pain sensitivity.
- Manages heart disease, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
- Suppresses the immune system.
- Affects memory, attention, and digestion.
Zona Reticularis
- Formed by polyhedral cells in anastomosing patterns and large sinusoids.
- Synthesizes small quantities of androgens, which contribute to male characteristics and function as weak sex steroids.
Adrenal Medulla
- Comprises large sympathetic ganglia cells with vascular sinusoids.
- Contains chromaffin cells, responsible for secreting epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).
- Key function: Initiates the fight-or-flight response, stimulating the sympathetic nervous system.
Enteroendocrine Cells
- Hormone-producing cells in the digestive system; can be grouped or individual.
- Key hormones include:
- Gastrin: Stimulates gastric juice secretion.
- Cholecystokinin: Involved in digestion, particularly fat and protein breakdown.
- Ghrelin: Known as the hunger hormone, stimulates appetite.
- Also referred to as:
- Diffuse neuroendocrine cells
- Enterochromaffin cells
- Enterochromaffin-like cells
- Amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation cells (APUD).
Adipose Tissue Hormone
- Unilocular (white) adipocytes: Secrete leptin, which signals the hypothalamus.
- Leptin regulates energy homeostasis and contributes to the hypothalamic "lipostat."
- Influences feeding behavior through feedback mechanisms on energy balance.
Heart as an Endocrine Organ
- Atrial myocardial cells: Secrete Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP).
- ANP functions:
- Promotes sodium (Na+) and water loss.
- Reduces blood pressure by acting on the kidneys.
- Target: Affects the distal convoluted tubules of the kidneys, promoting diuresis.
Kidney and Endocrine Functions
- Kidneys produce two key hormones:
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Renin:
- Secreted by juxtaglomerular cells.
- Integral to the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS).
- Regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.
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Erythropoietin:
- Stimulates erythropoiesis (production of red blood cells).
- Acts as a cytokine for precursors in red blood cell formation.
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Renin:
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Description
Test your knowledge about the structure and functions of the adrenal glands. This quiz covers aspects such as the composition of the outer cortex and inner medulla, as well as the zonation patterns found within the adrenal cortex. Challenge yourself and learn more about this vital endocrine structure!
