Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

MD1 Endocrine > Adrenocortical Function and Dysfunction > Flashcards

Adrenocortical Function and Dysfunction Flashcards

1
Q

Where are the adrenal glands located?

A

Sit on top of kidneys

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Do the adrenal cortex and medulla have the same embryological origin?

A

No - 2 different glands

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What type of gland is the adrenal medulla?

A

Modified sympathetic ganglion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What does the adrenal medulla secrete?

A

Catecholamines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What type of gland is the adrenal cortex?

A

True endocrine gland

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What does the adrenal cortex secrete?

A

Steroid hormones

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What does the zona reticularis secrete?

A

Sex steroids

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What does the zona fasciculata secrete?

A

Glucocorticoids

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What does the zona glomerulosa secrete?

A

Aldosterone

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Are sex hormones also produced by the zona fasciculata?

A

Yes, a little bit

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Are glucocorticoids also produced by the zona reticularis?

A

Yes, a little bit

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What stimulates the synthesis and release of cortisol?

A

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What stimulates the synthesis and release of aldosterone?

A

RAAS

Plasma K

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Why do different cells of the adrenal cortex produce different steroids?

A

Contain different enzymes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Why can you get crossover effects with steroid hormones?

A

Chemically related

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Are steroid hormones stored or made on demand?

A

Made on demand

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are the major triggers for cortisol release?

A

Circadian rhythm

Stress

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is the effect of cortisol on the immune system?

A

Function suppressed

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is the effect of cortisol on the liver?

A

Gluconeogenesis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the effect of cortisol on the muscle?

A

Protein catabolism

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is the effect of cortisol on adipose tissue?

A

Lipolysis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are the other functions of CRH and ACTH?

A

Some stress-related functions in immune and nervous systems

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is urocortin?

A

Peptide related to CRH

Brain neuropeptide decreases appetite

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)?

A

Large protein

Yields several bioactive peptide by proteolysis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What peptides are produced from POMC by the anterior pituitary?
ACTH | Beta-endorphin
26
What does beta-endorphin do?
Block pain perception
27
What peptide is produced from POMC outside the pituitary?
Alpha-MSH
28
What is alpha-MSH?
Melanocyte stimuating hormone Decreases food intake Increases skin melanin
29
What are melanocortins?
Family name for MSH hormones and ACTH
30
Is cortisol essential for life?
Yes
31
What does cortisol do?
Helps body cope with long-term stress Protects against hypoglycaemia - Stimulates catabolism of energy stores Permissive for glucagon and catecholamine actions
32
When is cortisol released?
Diurnal rhythm - Peaks morning - Low night
33
What is the effect of cortisol on calcium balance?
Negative Ca balance - Decreased absorption - Increased excretion - Increased bone breakdown
34
What are the therapeutic uses of cortisol?
Bee stings, poison ivy, pollen allergies | Prevents rejection of transplanted organs
35
What does long-term use of cortisol result in?
Inhibition of ACTH (and its related peptides) secretion | Atrophy of cortisol-secreting cells
36
What is the half life of cortisol?
60-90 min
37
What are the target tissues of cortisol?
Most
38
Where is the target receptor of cortisol located?
Intracellular
39
What does hyperaldosteronism cause?
Hypernatremia Hypokalemia Hypertension
40
What is primary hyperaldosteronism called?
Conn's syndrome
41
What is Cushing's syndrome?
Excess cortisol
42
What causes primary hypercortisolism?
Adrenal cortex tumours autonomously secrete cortisol
43
What is Cushing's disease?
Secondary cause of hypercortisolism | Pituitary tumour autonomously secretes ACTH
44
What are the possible causes of Cushing's syndrome?
Primary Secondary Hyperstimulation by CRH/ACTH Iatrogenic
45
What is adrenogenital syndrome?
Excess androgen and oestrogen
46
What causes adrenogenital syndrome?
Lack enzyme in cortisol steroidogenic pathway
47
What is the clinical presentation of adrenogenital syndrome?
Inappropriate masculinisation in all but adult males
48
What is the treatment for adrenogenital syndrome?
Glucocorticoids - Repairs glucocorticoid deficit - Inhibit ACTH > reduce steroid secretion
49
What are the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome?
Excess gluconeogenesis > hyperglycaemia mimicking diabetes Muscle protein breakdown and lipolysis > wasting Increased appetite > paradoxical fat deposits in trunk and face Thin arms and legs Trunk obesity Moon face Stretched skin > reddish striae Excess cortisol binds to mineralocorticoid receptors - Salt and water retention - Moon face - Weakness - Hypertension Osteoporosis Mood elevation then depression Difficulty in learning and memory
50
What is more common: adrenal hypersecretion or hyposecretion?
Hyposecretion
51
What is Addison's disease?
Primary adrenal insufficiency Autoimmune destruction of adrenal cortex Hyposecretion of all adrenal steroid hormones
52
What does decreased aldosterone in Addison's disease cause?
K retention > cardiac arrythmias | Na depletion > hypotension
53
What does decreased cortisol in Addison's disease cause?
Decreased stress respone | Hypoglycaemia
54
What do hereditary adrenal steroid enzyme defects cause?
Lack of cortisol and aldosterone > increased androgens > adrenogenital syndrome
55
What does a secondary hyposecretion of the adrenal cortex cause?
Decreased ACTH | Deficient cortisol only
56
Which cells in the adrenal medulla secrete neurohormones?
Chromaffin cells
57
What are the actions of adrenomedullary hormones?
``` Flight or fight responses - Increased cardiac rate and contractility - Increased TPR - Increased BP Metabolic effects - Increased glucose and FFAs - Increased basal metabolic rate Central effects - Increased arousal and alertness ```
58
Does hyposecretion of the adrenal medulla occur?
No
59
What causes hypersecretion of the adrenal medulla?
Pheochromocytomas = tumour
60
What type of response does acute stress result in?
Fight or flight
61
What type of response does chronic stress result in?
Elevated cortisol levels

MD1 Endocrine (18 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions