Adrenal Histo

Question 1

What is the embryonic source of the adrenal glands?

Answer 1

Medulla: comes from neural crest cells
Cortex: comes from mesodermal mesenchyme

Question 2

Name the 3 layers of the adrenal cortex.

Answer 2

Closest to Capsule
1. Zona Glomerulosa (ZG)
2. Zona Fasciculata (ZF)
3. Zona Reticularis (ZR)
Closest to medulla

Question 3

What is Conn Syndrome?

Answer 3

mineralocorticoid tumor usually in the ZG of the adrenal gland. Hypersecretion of aldosterone. Results in:
hypertension, hypernatremia, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis

Question 4

What would a tumor in the ZF secreting cortisol cause?

Answer 4

Cushing Syndrome (only 1 of the many causes)

Question 5

What is Addison Disease?

Answer 5

Adrenal Cortex insufficiency. Symptoms arise from lack of cortisol secretion from the ZF, leading to hyperpigmentation. Lack of aldosterone secretion from the ZG leading to hypotension, hyperkalemia, and even hair loss in women due to lack of androgen secretion from the ZR.

Question 6

Cells in the medulla that secrete NE and Epi

Answer 6

Chromaffin cells

Question 7

Type of neurons that innervate the adrenal medulla to stimulate chromaffin cells to produce and release NE and Epi.

Answer 7

Preganglionic Sympathetic Neurons from levels T10-T11 (ish)

Question 8

Where does the adrenal medulla receive blood flow?

Answer 8

Arterial blood from medullary arterioles

Venous blood from cortical sinusoids