Adrenal cortex Flashcards

1
Q

What are the 3 zones of the adrenal cortex?

A

Zona reticularis
Zona fasiculata
Zona glomerulosa

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2
Q

What type of hormones does zona reticularis release?

A

Glucocorticoids

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3
Q

What type of hormones does zona fasiculata release?

A

Glucocorticoids

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4
Q

What type of hormones does zona glomerulosa release?

A

Mineralcorticoids

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5
Q

What is the only type of mineralocorticoid released in abundance?

A

Aldosterone

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6
Q

What is the only type of glucocorticoid released in abundance?

A

Cortisol

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7
Q

Describe the renin-angiotensin pathway

A

Dehydration, Na+ deficiency causes decrease in blood volume, which decreases BP this stimulates juxtaglomerular cells of kidney release renin/ angiotensinogen released form the liver. Angiotensinogen and renin form angiotensin I, this stimulates ACE in the lungs to release angiotensin II

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8
Q

What is the effects of angiotensin II?

A

Vasoconstriction of arteries - increasing BP.

Increased aldosterone from adrenal cortex

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9
Q

What is the effect of aldosterone on kidneys?

A

Increased NA+ and water reabsorption, increased K+ into urine, increasing blood volume and increasing BP

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10
Q

What hormones do the posterior pituitary release?

A

Oxytocin and ADH

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11
Q

What hormone does angiotensin II stimulate eventually?

A

ADH

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12
Q

Describe the sequence of events leading to release of cortisol

A

Circadian rhythm and stress cause CRH to be released from hypothalamus. Causing ACTH to be released from anterior pituitary and so cortisol to be released from adrenal cortex

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13
Q

What are the target organs for cortisol?

A

Imune system, liver, muscle, adipose

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14
Q

What effect does cortisol have on immune system?

A

Function suppressed

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15
Q

What effect does cortisol have on the liver?

A

Stimulates gluconeogenesis

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16
Q

What effect does cortisol have on muscle?

A

Protein catabolism

17
Q

What effect does cortisol have on adipose tissue?

A

Lipolysis

18
Q

In general what is the effect of cortisol?

A

Protect against hypoglycaemia

19
Q

What hormone is cortisol similar to?

A

Glucagon - but it suppresses the immune system aswell

20
Q

What is the relationship between cortisol and glucagon?

A

Cortisol must be present to ensure full responsiveness to glucagon

21
Q

What is the problem with cortisol supplements?

A

Will start negative feedback loop and shut down hypothalamus, pituitary adrenal axis so own cortisol is not made - cannot stop taking supplements straight away

22
Q

What is Cushings syndrome?

A

Excess cortisol

23
Q

What causes excess hormone release?

A

Adrenal tumour