Adrenal Glands Flashcards
Describe the structure and location of the adrenal glands
Both have an outer later, adrenal cortex, and an inner layer, medulla
Right adrenal is smaller with a pyramid shape
Left adrenal gland is larger with a half moon shape
On both sides of the body, just above the kidneys
Compare and contrast the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla.
Both:
- Secretes hormones
- Within the adrenal gland
Adrenal cortex:
- Outer layer of the gland
- Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex are called corticosteroids.
- Divided into 3 zones that each produce different hormones from cholesterol
- The hormones produced can pass through plasma membrane
Adrenal medulla:
- The center of the gland
- The hormones synthesized and secreted by the adrenal medulla are called catecholamines
- The hormones produced cannot pass the plasma membrane
Identify the three layers of the adrenal cortex and the type of hormones each layer produces.
Zona glomerulosa: Mineralocorticoids
Zona fasciculata: Glucocorticoids
Zona reticularis: Androgens
Give an example of each type of corticosteroid and state its function.
Mineralocorticoids: Control the balance of mineral salts (electrolytes) in the body
Glucocorticoids: control the rate of metabolism of proteins, fats, and sugars
Androgens: Converted to testosterone in males, and estrogen in adult females for body development
Explain how the production of glucocorticoids is regulated.
Through negative feedback.
When levels are too low, the hypothalamus releases CRH, the corticotropin releasing hormone, stimulating the anterior pituitary to release ACTH, the adrenocorticotropic hormone, and increasing production of glucocorticoids.
When levels are too high, the opposite procedure is activated.
What is a catecholamine? Give an example of a catecholamine and state its function.
The hormones synthesized and secreted by the adrenal medulla
Adrenaline: Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Compare and contrast Cushing’s syndrome and Addison’s disease.
Both:
Common cause is a pituitary tumor
Treatable with medication
Cushing’s syndrome:
Hypersecretion of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol
Distinct sign is stretch marks in the skin as it becomes thinner
Addison’s disease:
Hyposecretion of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol
Distinct sign is hyperpigmentation of the skin
Cortisol is a type of:
A. Corticosteroid
B. Mineralocorticoid
C. Glucocorticoid
D. A and C
D. A and C
Corticosteroid and Glucocorticoid
True or False. The adrenal glands help regulate the body’s stress response and reproductive functions.
True
True or False. The left adrenal gland produces steroid hormones, while the right adrenal gland produces non-steroid hormones.
False
Would it help to give someone with Cushing’s syndrome more ACTH? Explain your answer.
No, because Cushing’s disease is caused by the excessive production of ACTH, it would only increase the level further.
What are two ways in which the nervous system (which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves) controls the adrenal gland?
The brain influences the secretion of hormones via the pituitary gland
The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system influences the secretion of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla.
If the level of cortisol rises too high, the amount of CRH secreted will normally:
A. not change
B. become excessively high
C. become slightly higher
D. decrease
D. decrease
Noradrenaline is also called:
A. norepinephrine
B. adrenaline
C. adrenocorticotropin
D. glucocorticoid
A. norepinephrine
Explain why a pituitary tumor can cause either hypersecretion or hyposecretion of cortisol.
A pituitary tumor can cause a decreased or excessive output of ACTH by the pituitary gland.
