Adrenal glands. Functions of the glucocorticoids. Regulation of glucocorticoid secretion. Flashcards
adrenal gland - location
on top of each kidney
adrenal gland - appearance
triangle shaped
adrenal cortex - sublayer 1
zona reticularis = innermost layer
- producing androgens
- precursors to sex hormones like estrogen + testosterone
adrenal cortex - sublayer 2
zona fasiculata = medial layer
produces glucacorticoids like cortisol
adrenal cortex - sublayer 3
zona glomerulosa = outermost layer
producing mineralcorticoids like aldosterone
adrenal medulla - function 1
chromaffin cells that produce catecholamines
adrenal medulla - function 2
adrenaline/ noradrenaline for flight or flight
functions of the glucocorticoids - 1
STRESS
glucocorticoids are activated under fight or flight response
NERRD AMC
functions of the glucocorticoids - 2
IMMUNITY
glucocorticoids:
= anti inflammatory agents
- inhibit the production of cytokines/ lymphocytes/ macrophages
- inhibit production of leukotrienes/ prostaglandins by inhibiting phosholipase A2 which produces arachnadoic acid
functions of the glucocorticoids - 3
METABOLISM
- carbohydrate
- protein
- fat
functions of the glucocorticoids - 4
MOOD
high levels of glucocorticoids = depression / anxiety
functions of the glucocorticoids - 5
BONES
- inhibit osteoblast activity which builds bone
- stimulates osteoclast activity which breaks bone
= osteoporosis
functions of the glucocorticoids - 6
glucacorticoids affect mood/ memory/ cognition
elevated levels = damage
regulation of glucocorticoid secretion - 1
HYPOTHALAMUS
in response to stress
glucacorticoids are stimulated by corticotropic releasing hormone CRH
from hypothalamus
regulation of glucocorticoid secretion - 2
PITUITARY GLAND
anterior pituitary gland releases adreno-cortico-tropic hormone released into bloodstream
