The Pancreas & Adrenal Glands

Question 1

What are the adrenal glands?

Answer 1

secrete hormones directly in the blood
found above kidneys
have 2 parts - cortex and medulla

Question 2

What is the cortex?

Answer 2

it secretes steroid hormones e.g. cortisol and aldosterore
stress hormones
promote gluconeogenesis - new glucose - proteins and lipids made into glucsoe for respiration
cause kidneys to absorb more sodium ions and water - increases blood pressure and volume
suppresses immune system

Question 3

What is the medulla?

Answer 3

secretres hormones e.g. adrenaline and noradrenaline
increase heart rate and breathing rate
promote glycogenolysis - breakdown of glycogen into glucose - for respiration
diverts blood to the brain and muscles

Question 4

What is the pancreas?

Answer 4

endocrine gland - secretes hormones
found below the stomach
contains islets of langerhans - endocrine tissue - which contains alpha cells - glucagon and beta cells - insulin