The Adrenal Glands

Question 1

Name the 2 parts of an adrenal gland

Answer 1

outer cortex and inner medulla

Question 2

Name the 3 layers of the adrenal cortex

Answer 2

zona glomerulosa
zona fasciculata
zona reticularis

Question 3

What does the zona glomerulosa produce?

Answer 3

mineralocorticoids

Question 4

What does the zona fasciculata produce?

Answer 4

glucocorticoids and androgens

Question 5

What does the zona reticularis produce?

Answer 5

glucocorticoids and androgens

Question 6

Effects of glucocorticoids

Answer 6

mobilizes fuel in times of need
helps to maintain blood glucose between meals
stimulates gluconeogenesis
mobilizes amino acids from extrahepatic tissues (for gluconeogenesis)
inhibits glucose uptake into muscle and adipose tissue
stimulates fat breakdown in adipose tissue

Question 7

Effects of excessive glucocorticoids

Answer 7

inhibition of bone formation
suppression of calcium absorption
delayed wound healing

Question 8

Function of cortisol (a glucocorticoid)

Answer 8

adjusts metabolism to expect physical exertion by mobilizing fat and sugar stores and retaining sodium and water

puts body in a state of break-down so that stored resources can be used quickly

Question 9

Cushing’s Disease

Answer 9

hyperadrenocorticism

Question 10

Name the 5 signs of Cushing’s disease in dogs

Answer 10

polyuria
polydipsia
polyphagia
panting
potbelly

Question 11

What is insulin resistance

Answer 11

failure of cells to respond to insulin
results in abnormally high blood glucose and blood insulin concentrations
cannot properly utilize glucose from diet

Question 12

Functions of mineralocorticoids

Answer 12

increases Na+ reabsorption
increases water resorption
increases renal excretion of K+
increases secretion of H+

Question 13

Effects of decreased mineralocorticoids

Answer 13

heart suffers
cardiac output declines
hypotension
hyperkalemia
metabolic acidosis

Question 14

What controls aldosterone?

Answer 14

K+ concentration in ECF (small increases stimulate aldo secretion)
angiotensin II (decreased renal blood flow increases AII which stimulates aldo)

Question 15

What suppresses aldosterone secretion?

Answer 15

atrial naturitic hormone
increased Na+ concentration
K+ deficiency

Question 16

Addison’s disease

Answer 16

hypoadrenocorticism (rare in cats and dogs)

Question 17

Symptoms of Addison’s disease

Answer 17

electrolyte imbalances
hypotension
cardiac failure
decreased K+ secretion = hyperkalemia

Question 18

Clinical signs of Addison’s disease

Answer 18

anorexia
lethargy/depression
weakness
vomiting
on and off illness
weight loss
dehydration
PD and/or PU
restlessness/shaking/shivering
weak pulse
abdominal pain
bradycardia

Question 19

What is the adrenal medulla made up of and what does it secrete?

Answer 19

made up of chromaffin cells

synthesizes and secretes norepinephrine and epinephrine (catecholamines)

Question 20

Secretion of catecholamines is stimulated by what?

Answer 20

stress
exercise
hypoglycemia
trauma