Adrenals

Question 1

What are the 2 distinct sections of the adrenal glands

Answer 1

The adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla

Question 2

True or false the adrenals are covered by a connective tissue capsule

Answer 2

True

Question 3

What are the 3 layers of the adrenal cortex

Answer 3

1. Zona Glumerulosa
2. Zona Fasciculata
3. Zona Reticularis `

Question 4

What is produced in the Zona Glumerulosa

Answer 4

mineralcorticortoids

example=aldosterone

Question 5

What is the effect of Aldosterone on the body

Answer 5

Affects mineral homeostasis in the body

-causes excretion of potassium, reabsorption of Na and excretion of Hydrogen

Question 6

What is produced in the Zona Fasiculata

Answer 6

Glucocorticoids

• 95% cortisol
• corticosterone
• cortisone

Question 7

What is the effect of glucocorticoids on the body

Answer 7

Affects numerous biological systems and helps the body regain homeostasis after a “stress” event

• Stimulates protein catabolism, lipolysis, and gluconeogensis
• Suppresses immune response and acts as an anti-inflammatory
• Inhibit bone formation
• inhibits formation of connective tissue

Question 8

What is produced in the Zona Reticularis

Answer 8

Produces small amounts of weak androgens that can be converted sex specific hormones in other tissues (ie testosterone in testes and estrogen in various tissues)

Question 9

What are the androgens produced in the Zona Reticularis

Answer 9

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and Androstenedione

Question 10

Describe Addison’s Disease

Answer 10

Autoimmune disease that attack receptors for ACTH or causes destruction of adrenal cortex

causes hyposecretion glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids

S/S= bronzing skin/hyperpigmentation, hypoglycemia, anorexia, wt loss, hyperkalemia, loss of pubic hair

Question 11

Describe Cushing’s Disease

Answer 11

Increased production of ACTH from the pituitary which causes increased cortisol

Question 12

Describe Cushing’s Syndrome

Answer 12

Increased cortisol production from the adrenal’s w/o increased ACTH or ACTH secreting tumor somewhere else in the body

Question 13

What are the S/S of Cushing’s Dz/syndrome

Answer 13

• Breakdown of muscle
• Redistribution of body fat
• Hyperglycemia
• Osteoporosis
• HTN
• Increased susceptibility to infections

Question 14

How can clinicians cause Cushing’s Syndrome

Answer 14

Prolonged doses of corticosteroids

Question 15

What are the functional units of the adrenal medulla

Answer 15

Chromaffin cells

Question 16

How are chromaffin cells related to the nervous symptoms

Answer 16

These cells are considered modified sympathetic ganglion of the autonomic nervous system

Question 17

What is produced in the adrenal medulla

Answer 17

Catecholamines =>Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

Question 18

What are the effects of catecholamines

Answer 18

They intensify sympathetic responses

• increased HR
• increased blood flow(vasodilation) to heart lungs, muscle
• dilates airways
• glycogen to glucose

Question 19

What is a pheochromocytoma

Answer 19

Increased production and secretion of EP and NE usually caused by a benign tumor of the chromaffin cells

-caused prolonged fight or flight response of the body