Adrenal Medulla and Catecholamines

Adrenal Medulla

Part of the adrenal gland that secretes catecholamines for rapid physiological adjustments

Catecholamines

Hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine released by the adrenal medulla for fight-or-flight response

Fight-or-Flight Response

Sympathetic nervous system activation triggering rapid physiological changes in response to threat

Cardiovascular System

The heart and blood vessels functioning collectively to circulate blood throughout the body

Homeostatic Adjustments

Processes that maintain internal stability in response to external changes

Aldosterone

Hormone produced in the adrenal cortex's zona glomerulosa, regulating salt and water balance

Cortisol

Hormone produced in the adrenal cortex's zona fasciculata, involved in stress response and metabolism

Androgens

Hormones like DHEA produced in the adrenal cortex's zona reticularis, influencing male traits

Epinephrine

Major catecholamine produced by the adrenal medulla, involved in stress response

Norepinephrine

Catecholamine produced by the adrenal medulla and a major neurotransmitter in the autonomic nervous system

Tyrosine

Amino acid from which dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine are derived

PNMT

Enzyme catalyzing the methylation of norepinephrine to epinephrine

Glucocorticoid Response Elements

DNA sequences regulated by cortisol, involved in gene expression

Adrenergic Receptors

Receptors binding epinephrine and norepinephrine, influencing various physiological responses

Vasopressin

Peptide hormone regulating water retention and blood vessel constriction

VIP

Vasoactive intestinal peptide influencing aldosterone production

POMC

Pro-opiomelanocortin, precursor to various hormones including endorphins

Hibernation

State of reduced metabolism and activity in response to cold temperatures

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Chronic psychiatric condition resulting from exposure to extreme trauma

Cushing's Syndrome

Condition from prolonged high cortisol levels, causing various physical and psychological symptoms

ACTH

Adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulating cortisol release from the adrenal glands

Ectopic ACTH Syndrome

Condition where tumors outside the pituitary gland produce excess ACTH

Adrenal Tumors

Benign growths in the adrenal glands leading to excessive cortisol production

Nicotine

Stimulant binding cholinergic receptors, found in tobacco

Muscarine

Alkaloid stimulating autonomic cells, found in mushrooms

Plasma Norepinephrine Levels

Concentration of norepinephrine in the blood, associated with irritability

Cholinergic Receptors

Receptors binding acetylcholine and analogs, influencing muscle and autonomic neurons