endocrinology 4 Flashcards
Where is the adrenal gland?
fat layer on superior pole of the kidney
What is the adrenal gland composed of?
medulla and cortex
What is the embryological origin of the medulla?
neurohormonal origin
arises from neural crest tissue
Name a catecholamine?
adrenaline
What does the medulla of the kidney produce?
adrenaline - catecholamine
What is the true endocrine gland of the adrenal gland?
cortex
What is the neurohormonal component of the adrenal gland?
medulla
What is the embryological origin of the cortex?
mesodermal layer
What does the medulla of the adrenal gland produce?
produces steroid hormones
Name steroid hormones
cortisol
aldosterone
androgens
What component makes up 3/4 of the adrenal gland?
cortex
What is the function of the adrenal gland?
- stress response
- electrolyte balance
- minor role in development of sexual characteristics
What hormones are responsible for the stress response?
cortisol (from cortex)
catecholamines (adrenaline) - from medulla
What hormone is responsible for the electrolytes balance?
aldosterone from cortex
What hormone is responsible for minor developmental or sexual characteristics?
androgens
What do the pre-ganglionic sympathetic fibres cause the adrenal medulla to release?
Ach
What do the post-ganglionic cells lack?
what are these cells called?
axons/dendrites
called chromaffin cells
What are the physiological effects of adrenaline in the bloodstream?
