Adrenals and their Hormones 8 Flashcards
Describe the rough anatomy of the Adrenals
They are located at the superior pole of the kidneys. They each have their own capsules and have many arteries supplying them but only one vein each. The right adrenal vein drains into the IVC and the left adrenal vein drains into the renal vein.
Describe Specific anatomy of the Adrenals
Comprised of a medulla and a cortex. The cortex produces corticosteroids while the medulla produces catecholamines
What are the sections of the cortex (from medulla out)?
Zona Reticularis
Zona Fasciculata
Zona Glomerulosa
How does blood get to the various zones?
- Flows through the cells in each zones from the exterior of the gland
- There are some vessels which flow through the cortex to get to the medulla
What is the medulla made of?
CHROMAFFIN CELLS and therefore associated to the produced catecholamines
What type of hormone does the cortex produce?
Steroids (therefore they are corticosteroids)
What does the medulla produce?
Catecholamines:
- Adrenaline (80%)
- Noradrenaline (20%)
- Dopamine (V.small amounts)
What does the cortex produce?
Cortiocsteroids:
- Mineralocorticoids = aldosterone
- Glucocorticoids = Cortisol
- Sex Steroids = androgens/oestrogens
Where is aldosterone produced?
Zona Glomerulosa
What are Cortisol and androgens/oestrogens produced?
Zona Fasciculata and Reticularis
What are adrenal cortical hormones synthesised from?
Cholesterol
Describe Cortisol Synthesis
1) Cholesterol
2) Pregnenolone
3) 17alpha-pregnenolone
4) 17alpha-progesterone
5) 11-deoxycortisol
6) Cortisol
Describe Aldosterone Synthesis
1) Cholesterol
2) Pregnenolone
3) Progesterone
4) 11-deoxycorticosterone
5) Corticosterone
6) Aldosterone
Describe Sex hormone Sythesis
1) Cholesterol
2) Pregnenolone
3) 17alpha-pregnenolone
4) Dehydroepiandrosterone
5) Androstenedione
6) Testosterone
Then either:
- Oestrodiol
- Dihydrotestosterone
What is the precursor to oestrogens?
Androgens