Overview of Adrenal Glands and Hormonal Functions

Adrenal Glands

Two glands: cortex and medulla.

Adrenal Cortex

Outer region producing steroid hormones.

Adrenal Medulla

Inner region of adrenal glands.

Aldosterone

Mineralocorticoid regulating sodium and potassium.

Mineralocorticoids

Hormones controlling mineral balance, e.g., aldosterone.

Glucocorticoids

Steroids affecting metabolism and immune response.

Cortisol

Glucocorticoid released during stress response.

Corticotropin Releasing Hormone

Stimulates release of ACTH from pituitary.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Tropic hormone stimulating cortisol release.

Negative Feedback

Process where high cortisol reduces its own release.

Sodium

Most abundant osmotically active substance outside cells.

Potassium

Most abundant osmotically active substance inside cells.

Blood Pressure Regulation

Aldosterone retains sodium, influencing blood pressure.

Hydrocortisone

Modified cortisol used to reduce inflammation.

Stress Response

Neural stimulus triggering cortisol release pathway.

Inorganic Ion Regulation

Aldosterone, parathyroid hormone, and calcitonin roles.

Fluid Retention

Aldosterone's role in drawing water into the body.

Action Potentials

Electrical signals involving sodium and potassium.

Immune Response

Cortisol reduces inflammation but weakens immunity.

Transport Mechanism

Sodium involved in secondary output transport.

Corticosteroids

Class of steroids including cortisol and aldosterone.

Electrolyte Balance

Maintaining proper levels of sodium and potassium.

Stress Hormones

Cortisol and its effects on metabolism.

Cortisol

Hormone that increases blood glucose and fat.

Cushing's Syndrome

Condition of excessive cortisol production.

Addison's Disease

Condition of insufficient cortisol production.

Gigantism

Excess growth hormone before epiphyseal fusion.

Acromegaly

Growth hormone excess after epiphyseal fusion.

ACTH

Hormone stimulating cortisol release from adrenal glands.

Immune System Suppression

Reduced immune response due to high cortisol.

Blood Fuels

Glucose and fat mobilized during stress.

Diabetes Type 2

Condition potentially induced by prolonged high cortisol.

Corticosteroid

Hormone that increases blood glucose without cellular uptake.

Androgens

Class of hormones related to testosterone.

Estrogens

Class of hormones derived from androgens.

Theca Cells

Ovarian cells producing androgens in females.

Granulosa Cells

Ovarian cells converting androgens to estrogens.

Stress Response

Physiological reaction involving hormone release.

Chipmunk Cheeks

Facial swelling from excess cortisol.

Muscle Fatigue

Weakness due to low blood glucose.

Hormonal Imbalance

Disruption in normal hormone levels affecting health.

Blood Glucose Regulation

Maintaining stable glucose levels in the body.

Energy Levels

Amount of available energy for bodily functions.

Hormone Class

Group of structurally similar hormones.

Tumor of Growth Hormone Cells

Causes excess growth hormone production.

Stress-Induced Fat Storage

Increased fat storage due to hormonal changes.

Androgens

Hormones influencing male characteristics in both sexes.

Adrenal Cortex

Outer layer of adrenal glands producing steroids.

Testosterone

Primary male sex hormone influencing male traits.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Physical traits distinguishing sexes beyond reproductive organs.

Facial Hair

Hair growth on the face, often due to androgens.

Bearded Lady

Historical sideshow performer with excessive facial hair.

Aldosterone

Hormone regulating sodium and potassium balance.

Cortisol

Stress hormone affecting metabolism and immune response.

Adrenal Medulla

Inner part of adrenal glands producing adrenaline.

Epinephrine

Also known as adrenaline, triggers fight or flight.

Norepinephrine

Hormone involved in stress response and attention.

Fight or Flight Response

Physiological reaction to perceived harmful events.

Adrenaline Rush

Increased energy and alertness during stress.

Skeletal Muscle

Muscle tissue responsible for voluntary movements.

Acetylcholine

Neurotransmitter causing muscle contraction.

Heart Rate Increase

Rise in heartbeats during stress or excitement.

Blood Pressure Increase

Elevated force of blood against artery walls.

Airway Dilation

Widening of air passages for increased oxygen intake.

Glucose Release

Mobilization of stored glucose for energy.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system activating stress response.

Vasoconstriction

Narrowing of blood vessels to redirect blood flow.

Primary Targets of Adrenaline

Brain, skeletal muscle, heart, liver, lungs.

Blood Flow Redistribution

Redirecting blood to essential organs during stress.

Adrenaline

Hormone released during stress, increases heart rate.

Norepinephrine

Hormone that regulates blood pressure and stress response.

Hyposecretion

Insufficient hormone production by glands.

Estrogen

Hormone responsible for female secondary sex characteristics.

Progesterone

Hormone regulating uterine cycle and pregnancy.

Secondary sex characteristics

Physical traits distinguishing genders beyond reproductive organs.

Adipose tissue

Body fat that has estrogen receptors.

Oocyte

Immature egg cell in female reproductive system.

Testosterone

Male hormone influencing muscle mass and aggression.

Gametogenesis

Process of producing gametes, eggs, or sperm.

Anabolic steroids

Synthetic hormones used to enhance muscle growth.

Hormone replacement therapy

Treatment to supplement deficient hormones.

Menopause

Natural decline in reproductive hormones in women.

Uterine cycle

Monthly changes in the uterus related to ovulation.

Facial hair

Secondary sex characteristic influenced by testosterone in males.

Bone mass

Density of bones affected by estrogen and testosterone.

Mammary glands

Breast tissue responsive to estrogen for development.

Cultural influences

Societal norms affecting perceptions of masculinity and femininity.

Sperm production

Process of producing sperm, regulated by testosterone.

Aggressive behavior

Behavior often linked to higher testosterone levels.

Ovulation

Release of an oocyte from the ovary.

Sloughing off

Process of shedding the uterine lining if no fertilization.

Sex change therapy

Medical treatment for gender transition.

Caitlin Jenner

Formerly Bruce Jenner, Olympic gold medalist.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Treatment to maintain secondary sex characteristics.

Chastity Bono

Cher's daughter, now identifies as Chast.

Testosterone

Hormone promoting male secondary sex characteristics.

Estrogen

Hormone promoting female secondary sex characteristics.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Physical traits developed during puberty influenced by hormones.

Neurotransmitter Receptors

Proteins that bind neurotransmitters to mediate effects.

Ionotropic Receptors

Receptors that act as ion channels upon binding.