The Adrenal Glands And HPA axis

Question 1

What are the two endocrine organs enclosed within the adrenal glands?

Answer 1

The adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla are the two endocrine organs.

Question 2

What are the hormones released by the adrenal glands know as ?

Answer 2

The hormones released by the adrenal glands are known as the adrenocorticosteriods.

Question 3

What are the two classes of adrenal hormones and the mechanism of action?

Answer 3

Gluccocorticoids and Mineralcorticoids are the two classes of adrenal hormones, one controls carb and protein metabolism and the other manages water and electrolyte balance.

Question 4

What releasing factors are released in the synthesis of adrenal hormones?

Answer 4

Corticotrophin releasing factor is the factor released in the beginning of synthesis.

Question 5

What does the releasing factor CRF stimulate the release of?

What does this then stimulate?

Answer 5

CRF stimulates the anterior pituitary to release adrenocorticotrophic hormone which then stimulates glucocorticoid production.

Question 6

What occurs in synthesis of adrenal hormones if a natural/synthetic steroid is given?

Answer 6

If a steroid of this nature is given this causes the synthesis of adrenal hormones to receive negative feeback reducing ACTH reducing hormone production.

Question 7

What is the cyclic control of steriod production known as?

Answer 7

The cyclic control is known as hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis.