M7S4,5 Parathyroid Glands And Adrenal Glands

Question 1

Parathyroid glands overview

Answer 1

-four small oval glands on posterior side of thyroid
-paired, with two superior glands and two inferior glands
-along with the thyroid gland the parathyroid glands secrete hormones to contribute to calcium homeostasis
*refer to goodnotes images

Question 2

Histology of parathyroid glands

Answer 2

-mostly made up of principal (or chief) cells
-principle cells produce parathyroid hormone (PTH)
-PTH acts to increase calcium ion concentration in blood
*refer to goodnotes

Question 3

The adrenal glands

Answer 3

-2 pyramid shaped structures that sit superior to kidney
*refer to goodnotes

Question 4

Histology of adrenal glands

Answer 4

-divided into medulla and cortex
-each area of adrenal gland produces different hormones

The Cortex
-Adrenal cortex has 3 layers
-together, layers produce over two dozen hormones, collectively called corticosteroids (functions when released into blood: glucose metabolism, sex characteristics and electrolyte balance of body fluids)
-the outer layer of the cortex produces hormones known as mineralocorticoids
-middle layer produces glucocorticoids
-inner layer produces androgens (sex hormones)

Adrenal Medulla
-core of adrenal glands
-produces epinephrine and norepinephrine in response to sympathetic nervous system stimulation resulting in autonomic (flight or fight) response
*refer to goodnotes