Adrenal physiology Flashcards
Describe the classification of steroid hormones
-how many carbons denote which class
21 carbons = progesterone and corticosteroids
19 carbons =androgens
18 carbons = oestrogens
where are Glucocorticoids produced
Zona fasciculata and reticularis
What are glucocorticoids released in response to?
stress
describe the Actions of Glucocorticoids
Increase glucose mobilisation
Maintenance of circulation
Immunomodulation
what hormone controls cortisol
ACTH
What is the function of ACTH?
It acts on adrenal glands to stimulate cortisol synthesis.
what is ACTH’s role with cortisol on the below factors
-release
-synthesis
-which hormone stimulate ACTH
-negative feedback
- Acutely stimulates cortisol release
- Stimulates corticosteroid synthesis (and capacity)
- CRH stimulates ACTH release
- Negative feedback of cortisol on CRH and ACTH productio
list the causes of stress
- Infection
- Trauma
- Haemorrhage
- Medical illness
- Psychological
- Exercise/exhaustion
describe Mineralocorticoids
-where is is synthesised
-basic function
-what is a very common Mineralocorticoids
-zona glomerulosa
-water and salt balance
-aldosterone
where does aldosterone act upon
Distal convoluted tubules/cortical collecting ducts
where are androgens produced
zona reticularis
what is the supply of the adrenal glandss
-blood
-nervous
-Arterial supply
Superior adrenal artery from inferior phrenic
Middle adrenal artery from abdominal aorta
Inferior adrenal artery from renal artery
-Venous drainage
Right kidney –> inferior vena cava
Left kidney –> left renal vein then into IVC
-nervous - splanchnic nerve
the adrenal glands are part of the ______ nervous system
autonomic
Adrenal cortex synthesises:
Glucocorticoids
mineralocorticoids
androgens
Adrenal medulla synthesises:
Catecholamines
