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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of epinephrine released from the adrenal medulla?
What is the primary function of epinephrine released from the adrenal medulla?
Which region of the adrenal gland is primarily responsible for steroid hormone synthesis?
Which region of the adrenal gland is primarily responsible for steroid hormone synthesis?
What type of cells in the adrenal medulla are modified sympathetic neurons that release catecholamines?
What type of cells in the adrenal medulla are modified sympathetic neurons that release catecholamines?
What triggers the release of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla?
What triggers the release of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla?
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Which of the following is NOT a catecholamine secreted by the adrenal medulla?
Which of the following is NOT a catecholamine secreted by the adrenal medulla?
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What is Addison's Disease primarily caused by?
What is Addison's Disease primarily caused by?
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Which hormone is primarily elevated in Cushing's syndrome?
Which hormone is primarily elevated in Cushing's syndrome?
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What is one observable effect of a tumor causing Cushing's syndrome?
What is one observable effect of a tumor causing Cushing's syndrome?
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Which adrenal cortex secretion regulates sodium and potassium levels?
Which adrenal cortex secretion regulates sodium and potassium levels?
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What combined effect would you expect from cortisol excess?
What combined effect would you expect from cortisol excess?
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What is the primary role of epinephrine during an anaphylactic shock?
What is the primary role of epinephrine during an anaphylactic shock?
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Which of the following is NOT a physiological role of androgens?
Which of the following is NOT a physiological role of androgens?
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What is the effect of cortisol on body metabolism?
What is the effect of cortisol on body metabolism?
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Which organ experiences arteriole constriction in response to epinephrine?
Which organ experiences arteriole constriction in response to epinephrine?
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What is the main glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex?
What is the main glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex?
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What is the immediate physiological effect of epinephrine on the heart?
What is the immediate physiological effect of epinephrine on the heart?
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Which of the following effects does cortisol NOT promote?
Which of the following effects does cortisol NOT promote?
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What response is activated by the release of fatty acids in the stress response?
What response is activated by the release of fatty acids in the stress response?
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Study Notes
Adrenal Medulla
- Modified sympathetic ganglia.
- Catecholamine release is regulated by acetylcholine (ACh) from preganglionic sympathetic neurons.
- Main hormone is epinephrine, mediating rapid stress response.
- Epinephrine effects include: glucose release from liver, fatty acid release from fat, increased heart contraction, intestine muscle relaxation, arteriole constriction (intestine, skin, kidney), arteriole contraction/relaxation in muscle (depending on receptor type), increased brain alertness and bronchodilation.
- Clinical use in epinephrine (EpiPen) counters anaphylactic shock via bronchodilation, vasoconstriction (intestine, skin, kidneys), and vasodilation (skeletal and cardiac muscles).
Adrenal Cortex
- Steroid factory with zones containing different enzymes.
- Secretes steroid hormones: aldosterone, glucocorticoids, and sex hormones.
Androgens
- Weak androgens (less than 20% testosterone activity) converted to more potent androgens and estrogens peripherally.
- ACTH increases androgen production.
- In children: male prenatal development and contribute to adrenarche (puberty onset changes).
- In adult men: no significant physiological role.
- In women: maintain pubic/axillary hair, estrogen source after menopause.
Cortisol
- Main glucocorticoid; essential for life.
- Secretion controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal pathway; continuous secretion with diurnal rhythm.
- Mediates long-term stress response.
- Protective effect against hypoglycemia (permissive effect).
- Metabolic effects: primarily catabolic; promotes gluconeogenesis, muscle protein breakdown, enhances lipolysis, and suppresses the immune system.
Adrenal Hormone Disorders
- Addison's Disease (adrenal insufficiency): hyposecretion of adrenal steroid hormones; caused by adrenal cortex destruction (autoimmunity, infection); symptoms include hypotension and hypoglycemia.
- Cushing's Syndrome: cortisol excess; caused by tumors or cortisol therapy; symptoms include hyperglycemia, muscle protein breakdown, fat buildup on trunk/face, increased appetite, mood changes, and cognitive difficulties.
Review Question
- A pituitary tumor causing Cushing's Syndrome would show high CRH, ACTH, and cortisol.
Key Concepts
- Adrenal Medulla: secretes catecholamines.
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Adrenal Cortex:
- Mineralocorticoids (Aldosterone): secreted by zona glomerulosa; regulates sodium and potassium levels.
- Glucocorticoids (Cortisol): secreted mainly by zona fasciculata; regulates stress response and metabolism.
- Sex hormones (Androgens): secreted mainly by zona reticularis; regulate reproductive functions.
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Description
Explore the functions and roles of the adrenal medulla and cortex, including their hormone releases and clinical significance. This quiz covers the impact of epinephrine on the body and the adrenal cortex's steroid hormone production. Test your knowledge on how these glands respond to stress and regulate various bodily functions.
