Adrenal physiology Flashcards
What are the 3 layers of the adrenal cortex?
Zona Glomerulosa
Zona Fasiculata
Zona Reticularis
What is secreted from the Zona Glomerulosa?
Aldosterone
Mineralocorticoids
What is secreted from the Zona Fasiculata?
Cortisol
Glucocorticoids
What is secreted from the Zona Glomerulosa?
Sex steroids
What is released from the adrenal medulla?
Adrenaline
Noradrenaline
What stimulate cortisol release from the Zona Fasiculata?
ACTH from the anterior pituitary
What stimulates ACTH release from the pituitary?
CRH from the hypothalamus
Where are chromaffin cells found?
Adrenal medulla
What do chromaffin cells secrete?
Catecholamines
Where is angiotensinogen produced?
Liver
What converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin I?
Renin from the kidney
What converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II?
ACE from the lungs
What are the actions of angiotensin II?
Stimulate adrenal cortex to produce aldosterone
Increased thirst
Arterial vasoconstriction
Promote ADH secretion
What are the clinical appllications of corticosteroids?
Supress inflammation
Supress immune system
Replacement treatment
What are the 6 classes of steroid receptors?
Glucocrticoid Mineralocorticoid Progeston Oestrogen Androgen Vitamin D
What is the action of cortisol on bones?
Accelerates osteoporosis
Decreases serum calcium
Decreases collagen formation
Decreases wound healing
What is the action of cortisol or the circulatory & renal system?
Increases CO
Increases BP
Increases renal blood flow + GFR
What effect does cortisol have on the immune system?
Decreaes capillary dilation/permeability
Decreases leucocyte migration
Decreases macrophage activity
Decreases inflammatory cytokine production
