Adrenals Flashcards
What is the shape of adrenals?
3-pronged Mercedes Benz shape
What is the outer part of the adrenals?
cortex
What are the layers of the cortex?
- Zona glomerulosa
- Zona Fasciculata
- Zona reticularis
What does the zona glomerulosa form?
aldosterone
What does the zona fasculata form?
cortisol
What does the zona reticularis form?
androgen precursors
What is the inner part of the adrenals?
medulla
What is in the medulla?
chromaffin cells
What do chromaffin cells release?
adrenaline / noradrenaline
What conditions cause wasted adrenal glands?
Addison’s / long term steroid
What conditions cause hyperplastric adrenals?
Cushing’s or ectopic ACTH
What is the HPA axis mainly involved in?
MAINLY involves stimulation for cortisol (as well androgen production and some adrenaline too)
What does adrenaline production also rely on?
sympathetic nerve fibres connected to the adrenals
What does the production of aldosterone also rely on?
detection of: blood volume and blood K+ concentration
