Adrenal Function

Question 1

Hypertension, hyperkalemia, metabolic alkalosis

Answer 1

Hyperaldosteronism

Question 2

Hypertension, spells of anxiety, palpitations, dizziness, and diaphoresis

Answer 2

Pheochromocytoma

Question 3

Hypertension, rapid unexplained weight gain, red/purple stretch marks, and proximal muscle weakness
Excess cortisol

Answer 3

Cushing’s syndrome

Question 4

Inappropriate hirsutism/virilization and inability to conceive

Answer 4

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Question 5

Loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss, and pigmented skin

Answer 5

Primary adrenal insufficiency

Question 6

How to treat hypofunction?

Answer 6

Hormone replacement

Question 7

How to treat hyperfunction?

Answer 7

Pharmacologic suppression and/or surgery

Question 8

Two embryologically distinct adrenal tissues

Answer 8

Outer adrenal cortex and inner adrenal medulla

Question 9

Primary adrenal insufficiency

Answer 9

Addison’s Disease
autoimmune disease damages adrenal gland
Possibly caused by HIV/AIDs or Tb
High ACTH, low cortisol, hyponatremia

Question 10

Secondary adrenal insufficiency

Answer 10

Reduced production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
(resulting in decreased cortisol)
Caused by loss of blood flow to pituitary

Question 11

Tertiary adrenal insufficiency

Answer 11

Caused by suddenly stopping corticosteroids

Question 12

Hormones to replace cortisol

Answer 12

hydrocortisone
prednisone
methylprednisone

Question 13

Hormone to replace aldosterone

Answer 13

fludrocortisone acetate

Question 14

main effector molecule that causes increases in blood pressure, influences renal tubuli to retain sodium and water, and stimulates aldosterone release from adrenal gland

Answer 14

Angiotensin II

Question 15

Zona Glomerulosa

Answer 15

Produces aldosterone and other mineralocorticoids. Cells are small and clumped together and rich with smooth ER.