cushing's syndrome Flashcards
1
Q
what is cushing’s syndrome?
A
hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body’s tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol
2
Q
symptoms of cushing’s syndrome
A
- weight gain without diet changes
- facial hair growth (hirsutism)
- irregular periods
- quick temper
- purple abdominal stretch marks
- rounded face
- spots
3
Q
what is cortisol? where is it secreted from?
A
- steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands
- stress hormone because it’s released in response to stress and low blood glucose
- regulating metabolism, immune response, and managing stress
4
Q
what is hypethamalic-pituitary-adrenal axis?
A
- part of endocrine system responsible for the production and regulation of cortisol
- 3 parts - hypothalamus, pituitary gland, adrenal gland
5
Q
label parts of the adrenal gland
A
6
Q
What does each layer of the adrenal gland secrete?
A
- zona glomerulosa - mineralocorticoids, primarily aldosterone
- zona fasciculata - glucocorticoids, primarily cortisol.
- zona reticularis - produces androgens
- adrenal medulla - produces neurotransmitters, primarily adrenaline & noradrenaline
7
Q
Our patient’s cortisol is elevated. Where may the problem be with the adrenal axis?
A
overproduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
