Physiology Flashcards
what are the two layers of the adrenal glands?
outer cortex
inner medulla
three layers of the cortex
zona glomerulosa
zona fasciculata
zona reticularis
role of the zona glomerulosa
regulated by all and K+ to produce mineralocorticoids (aldosterone)
role of the zona fasciculata
regulated by ACTH to to produce glucocorticoids (cortisol)
role of zona reticularis
regulated by ACTH to produce adrenal androgens
what does the medulla consist of?
chromatin cells
medullary veins
splanchnic nerves
what does the medulla produce?
catecholamines (adrenaline and NA)
what are cortisol and androgens regulated by?
hormones produced from the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary
what is aldosterone regulated by?
RAAS
plasma potassium
six classes of steroid receptors
glucocorticoids mineralocorticoids progestin oestrogen androgen vitamin D
major actions of glucocorticoids
- CNS: mood lability, euphoria/psychosis, decreased sexual sexual drive (libido)
- bone/connective tissue: acceleration osteoporosis, collagen formation and decreased wound healing
- immunological: decreased capillary dilatation/permeability, leucocyte migration, macrophage activity and inflammatory cytokine production
- metabolic: carbohydrate increases blood sugar, increased lipolysis (central redistribution) and increased proteolysis
what are corticosteroids used for?
suppressing inflammation, immune system and as a replacement
what receptor does aldosterone act on?
MR on kidneys, salivary glands, gut and sweat glands
role of aldosterone
sodium/potassium balance, blood pressure and extracellular volume regulation
