Adrenocortical Function and Dysfunction Flashcards
Where are the adrenal glands located?
Sit on top of kidneys
Do the adrenal cortex and medulla have the same embryological origin?
No - 2 different glands
What type of gland is the adrenal medulla?
Modified sympathetic ganglion
What does the adrenal medulla secrete?
Catecholamines
What type of gland is the adrenal cortex?
True endocrine gland
What does the adrenal cortex secrete?
Steroid hormones
What does the zona reticularis secrete?
Sex steroids
What does the zona fasciculata secrete?
Glucocorticoids
What does the zona glomerulosa secrete?
Aldosterone
Are sex hormones also produced by the zona fasciculata?
Yes, a little bit
Are glucocorticoids also produced by the zona reticularis?
Yes, a little bit
What stimulates the synthesis and release of cortisol?
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
What stimulates the synthesis and release of aldosterone?
RAAS
Plasma K
Why do different cells of the adrenal cortex produce different steroids?
Contain different enzymes
Why can you get crossover effects with steroid hormones?
Chemically related
Are steroid hormones stored or made on demand?
Made on demand
What are the major triggers for cortisol release?
Circadian rhythm
Stress
What is the effect of cortisol on the immune system?
Function suppressed
What is the effect of cortisol on the liver?
Gluconeogenesis
What is the effect of cortisol on the muscle?
Protein catabolism
What is the effect of cortisol on adipose tissue?
Lipolysis
What are the other functions of CRH and ACTH?
Some stress-related functions in immune and nervous systems
What is urocortin?
Peptide related to CRH
Brain neuropeptide decreases appetite
What is pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)?
Large protein
Yields several bioactive peptide by proteolysis