Lecture 10 - The Adrenals and their Hormones Flashcards
Where are the adrenal glands found?
On the superior pole of each of the 2 kidneys
What are the sections of the adrenal gland - from outside to inside?
Capsule Cortex: 1) Zona Glomerulosa 2) Zona Fasciculata 3) Zona Reticularis
Adrenal Medulla
Tributary of central vein
How is the Zona Fasciculata arranged?
Cells line up as strings
How does the blood flow into adrenal cortex and to the zones?
To adrenal cortex via arteries that feed the outside of the gland 2 ways for the zones: Most passes through the cells and there are some vessels which go through the cortex to get to adrenal medulla
What is the medulla made up of?
Chromaffin cells - post-ganglionic nerve fibres in a specialised form
What type of hormones does the medulla secrete?
CATECHOLAMINES from Chromaffin cells
What type of hormones does the cortex secrete?
Corticosteroids
What specific hormones are released by the medulla?
Adrenaline - 80% Noradrenaline - 20% Dopamine - very small amounts
What specific hormones are released by the cortex?
Mineralocorticoids - aldosterone Glucocorticoids - cortisol Sex steroids - Androgens and Oestrogens
In which zone is aldosterone produced?
Zona Glomerulosa
In which zone are cortisol/androgens/oestrogens produced?
Zona Fasciculata and Reticularis
What is the nucleus of cholesterol?
Cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene
Which steroids are produced in the adrenals?
Mineralocorticoids Glucocorticoids
Which steroids produced in the gonads?
Progestogens Androgens Oestrogens
Where androgens produced and then moved to become stronger?
Produced in the adrenals (weak) and become stronger in the gonads (testes)
What is androstenedione useful for?
Its a less weak androgen and can be converted into testosterone and DHT
What is the precursor for aldosterone?
Progesterone
What is the precursor for Oestrogen?
Androgens
How is cortisol transported around the blood?
75% bound to corticosteroid binding globulin (Transcortin) 15% bound to albumin 10% free - BIOACTIVE
How is Aldosterone transported around the blood?
60% bound to corticosteroid binding globulin 40% free - BIOACTIVE