Adrenal Gland Structure, Secretions, and Innervation

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards detailing the anatomical zones, hormone products, sympathetic innervation, and medullary secretory pathways of the adrenal gland.

Mineralcorticoids

The class of steroid hormones produced and secreted by the outermost zone of the adrenal cortex, the zona glomerulosa.

Glucocorticoids

The class of steroid hormones produced and secreted by the middle layer of the adrenal cortex, the zona fasciculata.

Androgens

The class of hormones produced and secreted by the innermost cortical layer bordering the medulla, the zona reticularis.

Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

Catecholamine hormones synthesized and stored in the adrenal medulla that are released into the blood capillary upon sympathetic stimulation.

Zona glomerulosa

The outermost cellular layer of the adrenal cortex that produces mineralcorticoids.

Zona fasciculata

The intermediate cortical layer positioned between the zona glomerulosa and the zona reticularis that produces glucocorticoids.

Zona reticularis

The innermost layer of the adrenal cortex adjacent to the adrenal medulla that produces androgens.

Cortex

The outer region of the adrenal gland consisting of three distinct concentric layers: the zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis.

Medulla

The central internal core of the adrenal gland surrounded by the cortex, containing catecholamine-producing cells that secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Preganglionic sympathetic fiber

An autonomic nerve fiber that directly innervates catecholamine-producing cells in the adrenal medulla and releases acetylcholine.

Acetylcholine

The neurotransmitter released from the synaptic terminals of preganglionic sympathetic fibers onto catecholamine-producing cells of the adrenal medulla.

Catecholamine-producing cells

Specialized endocrine cells of the adrenal medulla that receive cholinergic sympathetic innervation and store catecholamines in secretory granules.

Granules with epinephrine and norepinephrine

Intracellular storage vesicles inside medullary catecholamine-producing cells that discharge epinephrine and norepinephrine into adjacent capillaries via exocytosis.

Blood capillary

A microcirculatory blood vessel situated directly adjacent to catecholamine-producing cells that receives secreted epinephrine and norepinephrine for systemic distribution.