Adrenal glands

Question 1

What hormones does the adrenal cortex produce and what are their functions?

(3 hormones)

Answer 1

1) Glucocorticoids - cortisol which help regulate metabolism by controlling how the body converts fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to energy.
- Helps regulate blood pressure
- Corticosterone - works with cortisol to regulate immune response and suppress inflammatory reactions
- Release is controlled by the hypothalamus

2) Mineralocorticoids - Aldosterone which helps control blood pressure by maintaining the concentrations between water and salts
- Release is mediated by the kidney

3) Androgens -sex hormones - Oestrogen
- Testosterone

Question 2

What hormones are produced by the adrenal medulla and what are their functions?

(2 hormones)

Answer 2

1) Adrenaline
- Increases heart rate by sending blood quickly to the muscles and brain
- Rapidly raises blood glucose concentration by converting glycogen to glucose in the liver

2) Noradrenaline
- Works with adrenaline in response to stress
- Increased heart rate, pupil dilation, widening of the air passages in the lungs and the narrowing of blood vessels to non-essential organs