HPA axis Flashcards
what connects the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary
hypophyseal stalk
what is the outermost surface of the adrenal cortex?
capsule
what does aldosterone do?
removes potassium and increases reabsorption of sodium
what is cortisol?
steroid stress hormoned
what type of hormones are CRH and ACTH
peptide hormones
what does cortisol do?
increases BP dampens inflammatory response prevents wound healing prevents bone growth increases blood glucose - gluconeogenesis mineralocorticoid effect
where is cortisol produced?
zona fasiculata
cortisol production over the day
uneven
most produced early - morning
lowest at night - when asleep
when should you look for abnormally high levels of cortisol?
when it should be lowest
when should you look for abnormally low levels of cortisol?
when it should be highest
what is an addisonian crisis?
low levels of cortisol
symptoms of addisonian crisis?
low BP tanned skin low blood sugar weakness vomiting tired
hypoadrenalism
addisonian crisis
lack of cortisol and other hormones produced by adrenal cortex
medical emergency
addison’s disease
type of hypoadrenalism/ addisonian - adrenal insufficiency
autoimmune disease
most common cause of
mineralocorticoid
e.g. aldosterone - increases sodium and lowers potassium
