anatomy 20.6 pt 2

Gonadocorticoids

Sex hormones produced in small amounts by the zona reticularis, primarily adrenal androgens.

Conversion of adrenal androgens

Adrenal androgens must be converted into more potent androgens or estrogens.

Comparison of androgen production

The adrenal cortex produces a small amount of androgens compared with the gonads.

Main function of mineralocorticoids

They regulate the composition and concentration of electrolytes in body fluids.

Main function of glucocorticoids

They regulate blood glucose and stimulate lipid and protein metabolism for energy.

Main function of gonadocorticoids

They act as sex hormones.

Mnemonic for adrenal cortex zones functions

Salt, sugar, sex.

Salt in adrenal cortex mnemonic

Represents the zona glomerulosa, which produces aldosterone and regulates sodium and potassium.

Sugar in adrenal cortex mnemonic

Represents the zona fasciculata, which produces glucocorticoids and regulates blood glucose.

Sex in adrenal cortex mnemonic

Represents the zona reticularis, which produces adrenal androgens.

Addison disease

A disorder involving insufficient production of adrenal steroids, usually glucocorticoids and possibly mineralocorticoids.

Symptoms of Addison disease

Weight loss, general fatigue and weakness, hypotension, and hyperpigmentation of the skin.

Causes of Addison disease

Malformed adrenal glands, impaired steroid-synthesis pathways, or destruction of the adrenal glands, typically from an autoimmune disorder.

Cushing syndrome

A condition caused by chronic exposure to excessive levels of glucocorticoid hormones.

Common characteristics of Cushing syndrome

Obesity, especially in the face and back, hypertension, excess hair growth, kidney stones, and menstrual irregularities.

Facial appearance in Cushing syndrome

The characteristic facial appearance is called moon face.

Fat accumulation in Cushing syndrome

The characteristic fat accumulation on the back is called buffalo hump.

Adrenogenital syndrome

Also called androgen insensitivity syndrome or congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Characteristics of adrenogenital syndrome

An inability to synthesize corticosteroids, causing excessive ACTH secretion and increased adrenal cortex activity.

ACTH levels in adrenogenital syndrome

ACTH increases because the pituitary senses the deficiency of corticosteroids and releases large amounts in an attempt to increase glucocorticoid levels.

Effect of excessive ACTH in adrenogenital syndrome

It causes hyperplasia, or increased size, of the adrenal cortex.

Excessive adrenal androgen production in newborns

Can cause virilization, or masculinization.

Treatment for adrenogenital syndrome

Oral corticosteroids, which increase corticosteroid levels and inhibit excessive ACTH release.

Location of adrenal medulla

In the inner core of each adrenal gland.

Color of adrenal medulla

Red-brown color due to extensive vascularization.

Cell type in adrenal medulla

Primarily made up of large, spherical chromaffin cells.

Embryonic origin of chromaffin cells

Neural crest cells.

Nature of chromaffin cells

Modified ganglionic cells of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system.

Stimuli for chromaffin cells

Stimulated by preganglionic sympathetic axons.

Hormones secreted by the adrenal medulla

Epinephrine and norepinephrine; they prepare the body for emergencies and prolong sympathetic effects.