Questions and Answers
What are mineralocorticoids primarily responsible for regulating?
What is the main mineralocorticoid produced in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex?
Aldosterone
Aldosterone is involved in the regulation of ______, ______, ______, and water in the kidneys.
sodium, chloride, potassium
What system controls the regulation of aldosterone?
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What is a key function of glucocorticoids?
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What occurs during prolonged cortisol secretion?
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What do excess cortisol levels lead to regarding lipid metabolism?
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Excess cortisol leads to increased ______ pressure.
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What hormones are included in gonadocorticoids?
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In males, the amount of testosterone produced in the adrenals is significant.
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What condition occurs when the adrenal glands produce insufficient cortisol?
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What is often the cause of primary adrenal insufficiency?
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What are common symptoms of adrenal insufficiency?
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What is the treatment for adrenal insufficiency?
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Adrenocortical hyperfunction occurs when there is a chronic exposure to low levels of glucocorticoids.
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Symptoms of adrenal hyperfunction include weight gain, easy ______, and poor ______ healing.
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
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Study Notes
Hormone Classification
- Mineralocorticoids: Steroid hormones like aldosterone that regulate sodium homeostasis, produced in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex.
Functions of Mineralocorticoids
- Aldosterone Function: Regulates the kidney's handling of sodium, chloride, potassium, and water. Elevated levels promote potassium excretion and sodium/water reabsorption.
- Regulatory Mechanism: Controlled by the renin-angiotensin system.
Glucocorticoids Overview
- Definition: A group of steroid hormones, primarily cortisol, involved in blood glucose regulation, produced in the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex.
Functions of Glucocorticoids
- Gluconeogenesis Promotion: Stimulates glucose synthesis when blood sugar is low; prolonged cortisol can cause hyperglycemia due to stress.
- Protein Catabolism: Breaks down proteins into amino acids; mobilizes these from muscle and tissues to elevate serum amino acid levels, which are then converted to glucose in the liver.
Lipid Metabolism
- Cortisol Effects: High cortisol can cause fat redistribution and lipolysis, releasing fatty acids for energy. Glycerol from fat breakdown is turned into glucose in the liver.
Blood Pressure Regulation
- Cortisol and Blood Pressure: Excess cortisol raises blood pressure, while low glucocorticoids can lead to vasodilation and decreased pressure. High glucocorticoid levels can reduce immune response by decreasing antibody-producing cells.
Gonadocorticoids
- Definition: Steroid hormones including androgens (e.g., testosterone) and minimal estrogen, produced in the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex.
- Sex-Specific Production: Testosterone from the adrenal glands is minor in males; most is produced in testes. In females, androgens contribute to secondary sex characteristics and libido, while ovarian estrogen is predominant.
Regulation of Gonadocorticoids
- Feedback Mechanism: Similar to glucocorticoids, regulated by negative feedback; involves hypothalamic CRH stimulating pituitary ACTH, which then stimulates adrenal release of gonadocorticoids.
Adrenal Cortex Disorders
- Adrenal Insufficiency: Known as Addison's disease, marked by insufficient cortisol (and occasionally aldosterone) production from underactive adrenal glands.
Types of Adrenal Insufficiency
- Primary Insufficiency: Autoimmune destruction of adrenal glands; rare causes include tumors and infections.
- Secondary Insufficiency: Results from low ACTH levels affecting cortisol production; may arise from pituitary disorders.
Symptoms of Adrenal Insufficiency
- Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, nausea, muscle pain, abdominal discomfort, weight loss, cravings for salty foods, and skin darkening.
Treatment of Adrenal Insufficiency
- Hormone Replacement: Typically managed with hydrocortisone or prednisone to restore hormone levels.
Adrenocortical Hyperfunction
- Cushing's Disease: Characterized by chronic exposure to high glucocorticoid levels often due to adrenal overproduction of cortisol or high-dose corticosteroid therapy.
Symptoms of Adrenocortical Hyperfunction
- Includes weight gain, skin changes, poor wound healing, hypertension, high blood sugar, and muscular weakness.
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Description
Explore key concepts and definitions related to mineralocorticoids and aldosterone through this set of flashcards. Enhance your understanding of hormone functions and their roles in sodium homeostasis.
