Adrenal function

Question 1

From what is the adrenal medulla derived? What does it produce?

Answer 1

Derived from neural crest tissue; the medulla is a modified sympathetic ganglion.
Secretes catecholamines
 - adrenaline
 - noradrenaline
 - dopamine

Question 2

Which part of the adrenal gland is a true endocrine gland? From what is it derived?

Answer 2

The adrenal cortex

Derived from mesoderm

Question 3

Describe the three parts of the adrenal cortex. Which hormones are secreted from these different parts?

Answer 3

Zona glomerulosa - outermost layer
- secretes mineralcorticoids e.g. aldosterone
Zona fasciculata - middle layer
- secretes glucocorticoids e.g. cortisol
Zona reticularis - innermost layer
- secretes androgens e.g. testosterone

Question 4

Describe the function of 21-hydroxylase

Answer 4

An enzyme that catalyses the production of aldosterone and cortisol

Question 5

What stimulates production and release of aldosterone from the zona glomerulosa?

Answer 5

Angiotensin (part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system)
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Question 6

What stimulates production and release of cortisol?

Answer 6

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Question 7

What is the target of aldosterone?

Answer 7

The distal convoluted tubule of the kidney

Question 8

What is the target of cortisol?

Answer 8

All nucleated cells have glucocorticoid receptors