adrenal glands & gonads Flashcards
where is the adrenal gland located
lie superior to the kidneys
what are the two separate gland structures in adrenal glands
adrenal cortex (85%)
adrenal medulla (15%)
what are the three zones in cortex-3 steroid hormone in the adrenal glands
outer zone
middle zone
inner zone
what is the outer zone
mineralocorticoids
mineral homeostasis
what is the middle zone
glucocorticoids
glucose homeostasis
what is the inner zone
androgens
steroid masculinising hormones
what does mineralocorticoids do?
regulates mineral & water balance by action on kidneys
what do the mineralocorticoids stimulate?
Na+ reabsorption from urine to blood
excretion of K+ into urine
what does a Na+ deficiency or haemorrhage do to the body
decreases in blood volume and blood pressure
what is glucocorticoids
cortisol
increases the rate of protein breakdown
stimulates the liver formation of glucose
anti-inflammatory
depresses immune system
what does a high cortisol level do to the body?
suppresses the immune system
how is the glucocorticoids regulated
negative feedback
through hypothalamus
what does low cortisol do to the body
uncontrolled immune system action
what is androgens?
small amount secreted from the adrenal cortex
what does the androgens contribute to in the body?
libido in females
adolescent growth spurt
what does the adrenal medulla contain?
sympathetic post ganglionic cells
what is the adrenal medulla stimulated by?
preganglionic sympathetic neurons
what does the adrenal medulla release
epinephrine and norepinephrine
when does the adrenal medulla occur
during strong physiological stress
what are gonads
ovaries
testes
what does gonads do
produce gametes and release sex steroids
what are the ovaries used for
development of female sexual characteristics
menstrual cycle
pregnancy
lactation
what is testosterone from testes for
development of male sexual characteristics
normal reproductive functions
