Adrenal Glands Flashcards
What does the adrenal cortex consist of?
Zona Glomerulosa: outter region
Zona Fasciculata: middle region
Zona Reticularis: innermost region
Where are the adrenal glands located?
Just medial, superior and anterior to the kidneys
What do the 3 zones of the cortex of the adrenal glands produce?
Zona glumerulosa produces mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone
Zona Fasciculata produces glucocorticoids
Zona Reticularis produces sex hormones
What does the adrenal medulla consist of?
composed of chromaffin cells
What do chromaffin cells produce?
Epinephrine and norepinephrine
What are the measurements of the adrenal glands?
3-6 cm in length
2-4 cm trv
3-10 mm AP
Which part of the adrenal glands is essential for life?
The cortex
What is the appearance in an infant Sonographic study of adrenal glands
Large hypoechoic cortex, and small hyperechoic medulla
What is Cushing’s syndrome?
A hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body to high levels of cortisol
Clinical presentation of Cushing’s syndrome?
Upper body obesity, round face Increased fat around the neck, arms and legs Severe muscle fatigue Hypertension Hyperglycemia
Sonographic findings of Cushing’s syndrome
Normal to diffusely enlarged adrenal glands
Variable appearance
Cystic, solid, complex
What is Addison’s disease?
Adrenocortical insufficiency
Idiopathic atrophy 80% of the time
Autoimmune 20% of the time
Clinical findings of Addison’s disease
Changes in skin color Potassium retention Renal failure Blood volume decrease Decreased sugar and lipid
Sonographic appearance of Addison’s disease
Small and contracted gland
When caused by tuberculosis it is enlarged with thick capsule
What is Conn’s syndrome?
Disease due to excessive aldosterone
Causes hypertension. Often it’s only symptom
May also cause decrease in potassium, muscle fatigue and polyuria
