Anatomy and Physiology: Adrenal Glands Review

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Questions and Answers

Which layer of the adrenal cortex primarily secretes cortisol?

Adrenal medulla

Zona glomerulosa

Zona fasciculata (correct)

Zona reticularis

What is the major stress hormone released during periods of stress?

Cortisol (correct)

Aldosterone

Epinephrine

Insulin

What is the primary effect of cortisol on blood glucose?

Decreases blood glucose by decreasing gluconeogenesis

Decreases blood glucose by promoting gluconeogenesis (correct)

Increases blood glucose by promoting peripheral uptake

Increases blood glucose by decreasing peripheral uptake

What is the effect of sustained cortisol levels on fat distribution in the body?

Promotes lipogenesis in the face and trunk area Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is caused by excessive secretion of cortisol from the adrenal cortex?

Cushing's disease Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the adrenal cortex is responsible for producing weak androgens such as DHEA?

Zona reticularis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla that is approximately ten times more potent than norepinephrine?

Epinephrine Signup and view all the answers

Excessive secretion of which hormone can lead to increased virilization or hirsutism in females?

DHEA Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a neuroendocrine tumor that secretes excessive catecholamines?

Pheochromocytoma Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the clinical manifestations of Cushing's disease?

Hyperglycemia, hypertension, buffalo hump Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of cortisol on protein synthesis?

Promotes catabolism in the muscles Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone has a key immuno-suppressive role and causes a T helper 2 shift?

Cortisol Signup and view all the answers

Which layer forms the bulk of the adrenal glands and accounts for 80-90% of the gland?

Adrenal cortex Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary hormone produced by the Zona glomerulosa?

Aldosterone Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the adrenal cortex facilitates the excretion of hydrogen ions?

Zona glomerulosa Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of aldosterone in the renin, angiotensin, aldosterone pathway?

Regulating sodium and potassium secretion and retention Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the adrenal glands is part of the sympathetic nervous system accounting for 10-20% of the gland?

Adrenal medulla Signup and view all the answers

Excess excretion of aldosterone, called aldosteronism, is usually related to:

Neoplasms Signup and view all the answers

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.