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Questions and Answers
Which layer of the adrenal cortex primarily secretes cortisol?
What is the major stress hormone released during periods of stress?
What is the primary effect of cortisol on blood glucose?
What is the effect of sustained cortisol levels on fat distribution in the body?
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Which condition is caused by excessive secretion of cortisol from the adrenal cortex?
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Which layer of the adrenal cortex is responsible for producing weak androgens such as DHEA?
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What is the primary hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla that is approximately ten times more potent than norepinephrine?
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Excessive secretion of which hormone can lead to increased virilization or hirsutism in females?
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What is the term for a neuroendocrine tumor that secretes excessive catecholamines?
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What are some of the clinical manifestations of Cushing's disease?
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What is the primary effect of cortisol on protein synthesis?
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Which hormone has a key immuno-suppressive role and causes a T helper 2 shift?
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Which layer forms the bulk of the adrenal glands and accounts for 80-90% of the gland?
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What is the primary hormone produced by the Zona glomerulosa?
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Which layer of the adrenal cortex facilitates the excretion of hydrogen ions?
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What is the primary function of aldosterone in the renin, angiotensin, aldosterone pathway?
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Which part of the adrenal glands is part of the sympathetic nervous system accounting for 10-20% of the gland?
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Excess excretion of aldosterone, called aldosteronism, is usually related to:
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Study Notes
Adrenal Cortex and Hormones
- Cortisol is primarily secreted by the zona fasciculata, the middle layer of the adrenal cortex.
- The major stress hormone released during stress is cortisol, which plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress.
- Cortisol increases blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis and reducing glucose utilization in peripheral tissues.
Effects of Cortisol
- Sustained cortisol levels can lead to abnormal fat distribution, often resulting in central obesity or "moon facies."
- Excessive secretion of cortisol from the adrenal cortex causes Cushing's syndrome, characterized by various metabolic changes.
Hormonal Functions
- Weak androgens, such as DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), are produced in the zona reticularis, the innermost layer of the adrenal cortex.
- Epinephrine, secreted by the adrenal medulla, is approximately ten times more potent than norepinephrine and is crucial for the fight-or-flight response.
Effects on Female Physiology
- Excessive secretion of androgens can lead to increased virilization or hirsutism in females, causing male-patterned hair growth.
- A neuroendocrine tumor secreting excessive catecholamines is known as a pheochromocytoma.
Cushing's Disease Manifestations
- Cushing's disease manifests through symptoms like hypertension, obesity, skin changes (bruising, thinning), and mood swings, resulting from excessive cortisol.
Cortisol Impact on Protein and Immune Function
- Cortisol inhibits protein synthesis, promoting muscle breakdown rather than growth, which can contribute to muscle wasting.
- Cortisol has a key immunosuppressive role, shifting the immune response towards a T helper 2 phenotype, reducing inflammation.
Adrenal Gland Organization
- The zona glomerulosa, the outer layer of the adrenal cortex, produces aldosterone, the primary mineralocorticoid.
- The zona intermedia facilitates the excretion of hydrogen ions, playing a role in acid-base balance.
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone Pathway
- Aldosterone’s primary function in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is to increase sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion, thereby regulating blood pressure.
Adrenal Medulla
- The adrenal medulla, comprising 10-20% of the adrenal glands, is part of the sympathetic nervous system, secreting catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine).
Aldosteronism
- Excessive excretion of aldosterone, known as aldosteronism, is usually related to conditions like adrenal adenomas or hyperplasia, leading to hypertension and electrolyte imbalances.
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Description
Review the anatomy and hormones of the adrenal glands, including the structure of the retroperitoneal glands and the functions of the adrenal cortex. Understand the key components of the body’s response to stress.
