Week 13 - Adrenal Disorders Introduction

Question 1

Adrenal glands are composed of the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla. What does the medulla do?

Answer 1

• secretes catecholamines (epinephrine)

Question 2

Adrenal glands are composed of the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla. What does the cortex do? (4)

Answer 2

• Secretes more than 50 steroid hormones, collectively known as cortcosteroids
• Glucocortocoids ie. cortisol
• Mineralcorticoids ie. Aldosterone
• Androgen

Question 3

What are the adrenal glands controlled by?

Answer 3

-hypothalamus- anterior pituitary

Question 4

How do the adrenal glands function? In other words, what is the mechanism? (3)

Answer 4

1. Hypothalamus releases corticotropin releasing hormone, which stimulates anterior pituitary
2. Anterior Pituitary releases adenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates adrenals
3. Adrenals produce corticosteroids

Question 5

Mechanism of adrenal gland function diagram

Answer 5

Question 6

What is the main function of glucocorticosteroids? (2)

Answer 6

Main one is cortisol
1. Helps maintain blood glucose
2. Has anti-inflammatory action by suppressing immune system and supportive action to respond to stress

Question 7

What is the main function of mineralcorticoids? (3)

Answer 7

Main one aldosterone
- essential for maintenance of F+E balance
- retention of sodium and water, secretion of K+
- Released by RAAS system

basically a salt regulating hormone

Question 8

What is the function of androgens? (2)

Answer 8

• produced and secreted in small but significant amounts
• stimulate pubic and axillary hair growth and sex drive in females