Adrenal gland pathology introduction Flashcards
Where are the adrenal glands found?
On top of the kidneys
What are the 2 layers of the adrenal glands?
Cortex (Outer layer)
Medulla (Inner layer)
What are the 3 structures that make up the medulla of the adrenal glands?
- Chromaffin cells
- Medullary veins
- Splanchnic nerves
What is the function of the medulla of the adrenal glands?
Catecholamine production:
- Dopamine
- Adrenaline
- Noradrenaline
What are the 3 layers of the adrenal cortex?
- Zona glomerulosa
- Zona fasiculata
- Zona reticularis
What is the function of the zone glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex?
Mineralocorticoid production:
- Aldosterone
What is the function of the zona fasiculata of the adrenal cortex?
Glucocorticoid production:
- Cortisol
- Corticosterone
What is the function of the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex?
Production of adrenal androgens:
- DHEA
- DHEA-sulfate
Which go on to form androstenedione and testosterone
What are some CNS side effects of corticosteroids?
- Mood
- Euphoria
- Decreased libido
What are some bone or connective tissue side effects of corticosteroids?
- Accelerates osteoporosis
- Decreased serum calcium
- Decreases collagen formation
- Decreased wound healing
What are some immunological side effects of corticosteroids?
- Decreased capillary dilatation and permeability
- Decreased leucocyte migration
- Decreased macrophage activity
- Decreased cytokine release
What are some metabolic side effects of corticosteroids?
- Increased BGC
- Increased lipolysis
- Increased proteolysis
What are some circulatory side effects of corticosteroid
- Increased cardiac output
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased renal flow
What are the therapeutic functions of corticosteroids?
Suppress inflammation, suppress the immune system and replace steroid hormones
