Functional anatomy and approach to endocrine disorders

Question 1

how many layers is the adrenal cortex divided into?

Answer 1

3

Question 2

what are the three layers of the adrenal cortex?

Answer 2

Zona glomerulosa (outer layer).
Zona fasciculata (middle layer).
Zona reticularis (innermost layer)

Question 3

what does the Zona glomerulosa (outer layer) produce?

Answer 3

mineralocorticoids
aldosterone

Question 4

what does the Zona fasciculata (middle layer) produce?

Answer 4

glucocorticoids
cortisol

Question 5

what does the Zona reticularis (innermost layer) produce?

Answer 5

sex steroids
testosterone

Question 6

what does the adrenal medulla produce?

Answer 6

norepinephrine
epinephrine

Question 7

what types of adrenal disorders can cause functional symptoms?

Answer 7

Question 8

what is the common approach to a suspected adrenal disorder?

Answer 8

Clinical Suspicion

Test for assessing functional status
Is it functioning?
Is it primary or secondary?
What is the etiology

possibility of tumour?

Endocrine deficiency may need correction
Etiology specific treatment

Question 9

if the adrenal disorder is caused by a tumour what questions should be asked?

Answer 9

Can it be removed
Is additional Chemotherapy or radiotherapy required
How can we follow the course of the disease

Question 10

how would hyposecretion affect the adrenal glands?

Answer 10

smaller amount of cortisol

Question 11

describe the production of aldosterone, testosterone and cortisol?

Answer 11

Question 12

All steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol, but different enzymes are found in different adrenal zones, resulting in different end products, describe the synthetic pathways in the adrenal cortex?

Answer 12