Adrenal Gland Structure and Function

Question 1

• Where are the adrenal glands located?

Answer 1

Within the retroperitoneal space

Question 2

• What are the three zones of the cortex and what do they produce?

Answer 2

Zona glomerulosa – mineralocorticoids e.g. aldosterone
Zona fasciculata – glucocorticoids e.g. cortisol
Zone reticularis – androgens

Question 3

• What type of tissue is present in the adrenal medulla?

Answer 3

Neuroendocrine tissue – secretes catecholamines e.g. epinephrine & norepinephrine

Question 4

• Where does the medulla develop from?

Answer 4

Medulla develops from neural crest cells migrating from sympathetic ganglion

Question 5

• What are the three patterns of blood distribution within the capsule of the adrenal gland?

Answer 5

Capsular capillaries, cortical sinusoidal capillaries, medullary arterioles

Question 6

• What does the medulla have a dual blood supply?

Answer 6

Because it receives both venous blood from the cortex and a direct arterial blood supply

Question 7

• What is the rate limited step in all steroid hormone synthesis?

Answer 7

Cholesterol converted into pregnenolone by P-450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (activated by ACTH)

Question 8

• What is the function of the androgens?

Answer 8

Male sex hormones, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) & androstenedione – require conversion to testosterone in the gonads

Question 9

• Where does the conversion of androgens to oestrogen take place?

Answer 9

Within adipose tissue

Question 10

• What are virilizing actions?

Answer 10

Inducing male physical characteristics e.g. facial hair, vocal chords