Glucocorticoids, Androgens & ACTH Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to glucocorticoids, androgens, and the role of ACTH in hormone production and regulation from a recent lecture.

Glucocorticoids

A class of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex that regulate metabolism, immune response, and stress responses.

Androgens

Steroid hormones produced primarily in the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex that influence male characteristics and reproduction.

ACTH

Adrenocorticotropic hormone, a pituitary hormone that stimulates the production of glucocorticoids and androgens in the adrenal cortex.

Zona fasciculata

The layer of the adrenal cortex that primarily secretes glucocorticoids, such as cortisol.

Zona reticularis

The inner layer of the adrenal cortex that primarily secretes androgens, such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

Cortisol

A glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, involved in metabolism regulation and stress response.

DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone, an androgen hormone produced by the zona reticularis, which can be converted to testosterone.

CRH

Corticotropin-releasing hormone, produced by the hypothalamus to stimulate the release of ACTH from the anterior pituitary.

Negative feedback

A regulatory mechanism where cortisol inhibits the release of CRH and ACTH to maintain homeostasis.

Addison's Disease

A condition caused by chronic deficiency of cortisol and mineralocorticoids, leading to elevated ACTH levels.

Cushing's Syndrome

A condition characterized by excessive cortisol production often due to a pituitary tumor, resulting in a constellation of symptoms.

Circadian rhythms

Biological processes that display an endogenous, entrainable oscillation of about 24 hours, influencing cortisol release.

Steroidogenesis

The process by which steroid hormones are generated from cholesterol.

Gland structure

The physiological organization of the adrenal glands, including the cortex and medulla.

Mineralocorticoids

A class of steroid hormones, such as aldosterone, that regulate sodium and potassium balance.

Adrenal gland

An endocrine gland located on top of each kidney responsible for producing hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens.