Endocrine: Module III Flashcards
What are the 4 important roles of the adrenal gland in the endocrine system?
- Response to stress
- Maintain water/salt equilibrium
- Maintain BP
- Sympathetic function
What are the 2 regions of the adrenal gland?
Cortex and Medulla
What does the cortex release?
Aldosterone
Cortisol
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
What does the medulla release?
Catecholamines (epi, NE)
What are the 3 layers of the Adrenal Cortex?
- Zona glomerulosa (outer)
- Zona fasiculata (middle)
- Zona Reticularis (inner)
What does the zona glomerulosa layer of the adrenal cortex secrete?
Mineralcorticoid (aldosterone)
What does the zona fasiculata and zona reticularis layers of the adrenal cortex secrete?
Glucocorticoid (cortisol)
Adrenal androgens (DHEA/Androstenedione)
Cholesterol is converted into _______ by the enzyme _____. This is stimulated by _____.
Pregnenolone
Desmolase
ACTH
Are hormones ever stored?
NO! They are synthesized at rate of demand
Hormones tend to follow ____ _____ patterns.
Circadian rhythm
Do adrenal hormones follow the positive or negative feedback system?
Negative feedback…
Inc. levels of cortisol will inhibit release of ACTH and CRH
Where are glucocorticoids (cortisol) produced?
Zona fasiculata and zona reticularis
Stimulus for cortisol secretion:
ACTH from ant. pituitary
2 Factors that influence cortisol secretion:
- Normal circadian rhythm (most released between midnight and 8am)
- Stress (stimulates release of ACTH)
Inhibition of cortisol secretion:
Elevated levels of cortisol inhibit ACTH and CRH (negative feedback)
Function of cortisol (3)
Acts as a response to human stress
- Catabolic to produce/mobilize/store glucose
- Maintains fluid volumes
- Modulates immune system (anti-inflammatory response)
Cortisol effects in the bone:
- stimulate osteoclasts/calcium resorption
2. Adverse: decrease bone density
Cortisol effects in adipose cells:
- Stimulate lypolysis
Cortisol effects in muscle cells:
Stimulate proteolysis
Adverse effect: muscle wasting/weakness
Cortisol effects in tendon/ligament/connective tissue:
Catabolic effect (inhibits fibroblasts/collagen production)
Adverse Effect: poor wound healing/immune defenses
Cortisol effects in CNS:
Alters perception andmood
Negative feedback to hypothalamus
Cortisol effects in metabolic system:
- Alters intermediary metabolism to produce, mobilize and store glucose
- In Liver: gluconeogenesis, glycogenesis
- Optimizes/enhances effect of glucagon and catecholamines
What is cortisol needed for in terms of fetal lungs?
Necessary for surfactant production and lung development
What is the primary function of mineralcorticoids (aldosterone)
Increase blood vol/BP by regulating renal sodium resorption
–> also causes dec. plasma potassium, inc. plasma pH