Anatomy and physiology of the adrenal glands

Question 1

Where are the adrenal glands located?

Answer 1

Located on the top of the kidneys.

Question 2

What are the different parts of the adrenal gland?

Answer 2

Outer cortex and adrenal cortex

Question 3

What does the outer cortex produce?

Answer 3

corticosteroid hormones

Question 4

What does the adrenal cortex produce?

Answer 4

Three groups of steroid hormones

Question 5

What are the 3 steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex?

Answer 5

Glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids and gonadotrophins (sex hormones)

Question 6

Glucocorticoids

Answer 6

Essential for life, regulating metabolism, the inflammatory and immune responses, and the response to stress. Cortisol is main glucocorticoid. Secretion controlled by negative feedback mechanism involving CRH and ACTH. Large amounts of cortisol secreted in morning, trailing off throughout the day.

Question 7

Mineralcoritcoids

Answer 7

Involved in maintaining water and electrolyte balance and regulation of blood volume and blood pressure. Aldosterone is main mineralocorticoid.

Question 8

What is the ‘fight or flight’ reaction response?

Answer 8

Adrenal gland stimulated by nervous system to release adrenaline and noradrenaline (produced in inner medulla) in response to a situation which threatens homeostasis.

Question 9

What changes are caused in the body by the ‘fight or flight’ response?

Answer 9

• increased heart rate
• increased blood pressure
• opening of bronchioles
• increased blood glucose
• dilating of the pupils
• reducing activity of the GI tract