5.2 Adrenal glands Flashcards
where are adrenal glands located?
top of each kidney
what are the two parts of the adrenal glands?
adrenal medulla
adrenal cortex
what are the adrenal medulla and cortex surrounded by?
a capsule
is the adrenal medulla the inner or outer region?
inner
what type of hormone does the adrenal medulla produce? give an example
non essential hormones
e.g. adrenaline
is the adrenal cortex the inner or outer region?
outer
what type of hormone does the adrenal cortex produce
essential hormones
what is the adrenal cortex controlled by?
hormones released by the pituitary
the adrenal cortex produces glucocorticoids what are they involved in?
regulating metabolism
regulating blood pressure and cardiovascular function in response to stress
how do glucocorticoids (adrenal cortex) regulate metabolism?
control conversion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates
give and example of a glucocorticoid (adrenal cortex):
cortisol
the adrenal cortex produces mineralcorticoids what do they help control?
blood pressure
how do mineralcorticoids (adrenal cortex) help control blood pressure?
through maintaining balance between salt and water concentrations in the blood
give an example of a mineralcorticoid:
aldosterone
the adrenal cortex releases androgens what do they do?
release small amounts of sex hormones with small impacts
the adrenal medulla releases hormones when which nervous system is stimulated?
when the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated
the adrenal medulla secretes adrenaline what does this do?
increases heart rate sending blood quickly to the muscles and brain
increases blood glucose conc by converting glycogen to glucose in the liver
noradrenaline works with adrenaline in response to what?
stress
what does noradrenaline do?
increases heart rate
causes pupil dilation
increases blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels in non essential organs
