Adrenal Physiology

Question 1

what are the parts of the adrenal gland called

Answer 1

capsule
cortex
inner medulla

Question 2

the cortex is divided into 3 parts, what are they called from outer to inner

Answer 2

zona glomerulosa
zona fasciculata
zona reticularis

Question 3

what does the zona glomerulosa produce and what is it used for

Answer 3

produces mineralocorticoids (aldosterone) which is used to increase sodium and water reabsorption in RAAS

Question 4

what does the zona fasciculata produce and what is it used for

Answer 4

produces glucocorticoids (cortisol) which is used for BP control and increases metabolism

Question 5

what does the zona reticularis produce and what is it used for

Answer 5

produces androgen precursors which help produce testosterone

Question 6

what does the inner medulla produce and what cells is it specifically released from

Answer 6

produces catecholamines specifically from the chromaffin cells

Question 7

what are examples of catecholamines and what effect do they have

Answer 7

examples - adrenaline and noradrenaline

work on the sympathetic nervous system

Question 8

describe the HPA steroid axis

Answer 8

hypothalamus releases CRH - acts on anterior pituitary to release ACTH - acts on adrenal glands to release cortisol

Question 9

what effect does glucocorticoids have on bone

Answer 9

accelerates osteoporosis by decreasing collagen production and wound healing

Question 10

what effect do glucocorticoids have on the immune system

Answer 10

suppresses immune system by reducing leukocyte migration and macrophage activity