Adrenal Gland Histology

Question 1

The adrenal medulla originates from what and develops from what?

Answer 1

Ectoderm and develops from neural crest cells

Question 2

What does the adrenal cortex produce?

Answer 2

Steroid hormones

Question 3

What does the adrenal medulla produce?

Answer 3

Catecholamines

Question 4

Name the layers of the adrenal cortex from outer to inner?

Answer 4

Zona glomerulosa, Zona fasciculata, Zona reticularis

Question 5

What the the Zona Glomerulosa produce? What are these produce in response to?

Answer 5

• mineralocoriticoids, mainly aldosterone

- Response to mainly angiotensin II but also ACTH

Question 6

What does the Zona Glomerulosa lack which makes it unable to produce cortisol or sex steroid (glucocorticoids and androgens)?

Answer 6

Enzyme 17alpha-hydroxylase (CYP17)

Question 7

What is the distinguishing histological feature of the Zona Fasiculata?

Answer 7

Cells that contain lipid droplets of cholesterol that give it a “foamy” appearance. Called spongiocytes

Question 8

Is cortisol stored in the ZF and ZR cells?

Answer 8

NO, released into blood

Question 9

Cortisol is converted in _________ to ___________

Answer 9

Hepatocytes; cortisONE

Question 10

What is the metabolic effect of cortisol?

Answer 10

Stimulates gluconeogenesis to increase the concentration of glucose in blood

Question 11

The Zona fasciculata and reticularis are stimulated by what?

Answer 11

Corticotropin (ACTH)

Question 12

What is the PRIMARY site of adrenal sex hormone production?

Answer 12

Zona Reticularis

Question 13

What are the cells of the adrenal medulla called?

Answer 13

Chromaffin cells

Question 14

What do chromaffin cells secrete?

Answer 14

Epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepiniphrine

Question 15

Name the disorder: Tumor localized in the Zona Glomerulosa which causes excessive secretion of aldosterone

Answer 15

Conn’s syndrome

Question 16

Secondary hyperaldosteronism is caused by what?

Answer 16

Increase in renin secretion

Question 17

Name the disorder: Increase in aldosterone, cortisol, and adrenal androgen production, secondary to ACTH production by an ACTH producing tumor of the anterior hypophysis.

Answer 17

Cushing’s DISEASE

Question 18

Name the disorder: A functional tumor of the adrenal cortex that causes overproduction of cortisol as well as aldosterone and adrenal androgens

Answer 18

Cushing’s SYNDROME

Question 19

Name the disorder: A chronic destruction of the adrenal cortex by an autoimmune process or tuberculosis. ACTH secretion increases because of cortisol deficiency. Leads to skin pigmentation, circulatory shock, and muscle weakness

Answer 19

Addison’s disease

Question 20

Name the disorder: Benign tumor of chromaffin cells. Episodic secretion of epinephrine and nor-E. Basically exaggerate all sympathetic effects.

Answer 20

Pheochromocytoma

Question 21

The adrenal cortex originates from what?

Answer 21

Mesoderm