Adrenal Glands

Question 1

What two glands make up each adrenal gland?

Answer 1

• the inner medulla
• outer cortex

Question 2

What does the adrenal cortex do?

Answer 2

• secretes a group of steroid hormones

Question 3

What hormones are secreted by the adrenal cortex?

Answer 3

• aldosterone
• cortisol

Question 4

What does aldosterone do?

Answer 4

• helps to regulate the electrolytic levels of body fluids
• vital for osmoregulation

Question 5

What does cortisol do?

Answer 5

• increases the body’s ability to resist stress of all kinds
• is also anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic

Question 6

What does the adrenal medulla secrete?

Answer 6

• adrenalin

Question 7

When is adrenalin secreted and why?

Answer 7

• under situations of sudden danger or excitement
• to prepare the body for action so it can cope with emergency

Question 8

What effects does adrenalin bring about regarding blood pressure?

Answer 8

• blood pressure is increased because vasoconstriction takes place in the skin and alimentary canal
• enables more blood to go to the skeletal and cardiac muscle where it is needed

Question 9

What is vasoconstriction?

Answer 9

• the narrowing of blood vessels

Question 10

What effects does adrenalin bring about regarding blood sugar?

Answer 10

• blood sugar levels are increased because liver glycogen is converted to glucose
• the glucose is released into the bloodstream and will provide fuel for the release of extra energy

Question 11

What effects does adrenalin bring about regarding the oxygen content of the blood?

Answer 11

• oxygen content of the blood is raised because the breathing rate and depth of breathing is increased
• extra oxygen is needed for increased respiration, which results in more energy being released

Question 12

What effects does adrenalin bring about regarding the heart rate?

Answer 12

• heart rate is increased
• results in more blood with higher levels of glucose and oxygen going to the muscles
• cellular respiration therefore increases in the muscle cells
• and more energy is made available for muscle activity

Question 13

What effects does adrenalin bring about regarding skeletal muscle tone?

Answer 13

• skeletal muscle tone is increased
• enabling the muscles to respond more quickly

Question 14

What are some of the additional effects of adrenalin?

Answer 14

• dilation of pupils for better vision in an emergency
• increased sweating for increased cooling of the body when being physically active
• reduction of digestive system activity
• increased mental alertness to be aware and think about how to cope with the emergency