Adrenal Gland

Question 1

Are the adrenal glands endocrine or exocrine?

Answer 1

Endocrine

Question 2

What types of hormones are produced by the adrenal cortex?

Answer 2

Steroid hormones (derived from cholesterol)

Question 3

Describe the main structure of the adrenal gland.

Answer 3

• Has a capsule covering it
• Has an outer cortex layer
• Inner medulla layer

Question 4

What are the cells in the adrenal medulla and what do they secrete?

Answer 4

Chromaffin cells secrete the following catecholamines:

• Epinephrine (adrenaline)
• Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)

Question 5

What layers is the adrenal gland further broken down by in order?

Answer 5

1. Capsule
2. Zona Glomerulosa
3. Zona Fasciculata
4. Zona Reticularis
5. Medulla

Question 6

What is the origin of the medulla and adrenal cortex?

Answer 6

• The adrenal cortex originates from the mesoderm
• The medulla is derived from neural crest cell which is of ectoderm origin

Question 7

What is the origin of the cortex?

Answer 7

• Mesoderm

Question 8

What do the 3 zonas of the adrenal cortex produce?

Answer 8

• Zona Glomerulosa: Mineralocorticoids e.g. aldosterone - used for salt regulation.
• Zona Fasciculata: Glucocorticoids (sugar/sweets) for glucose regulation
• Zona Reticularis: Androgens for sex

Remember: follow the order GFR (GF Raa) and then remember that to pull a salty girl, you need to be sweet to be able to have sex with her.

Or: Go Find Rex, Make Good Sex

Question 9

True or false, the adrenal cortex is highly vascular?

Answer 9

False, the adrenal medulla is highly vascular.

Question 10

What is the large lumen in the middle of adrenal glands?

Answer 10

Central veins

Question 11

What is the largest section of the adrenal cortex?

Answer 11

Zona fasciculata

Question 12

Cells in the Zona glomerulosa are arranged?

Answer 12

In irregular clusters