Mia Naglieri and Liad Elmelech Adrenal Glands Mia Naglieri and Liad Elmelech

Location The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped glands located above the Adipose capsule - a protective layer around adrenal gland Composed of two parts Adrenal cortex - outer region and is the largest part of adrenal gland Divided into three zones - zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata & zona reticularis Each zone is responsible for producing specific hormones Adrenal medulla - located inside adrenal cortex in the center of an adrenal gland Produces several “stress hormones,” including adrenaline (epinephrine) Each produces different hormones Hormones released into bloodstream kidneys directly

Hormone Functions Cortisol Glucocorticoid hormone Produced by the zona fasciculata Controls body’s use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates Suppresses inflammation Regulates blood pressure Increases blood sugar Decrease bone formation From the adrenal cortex Aldosterone Controls the amount of electrolytes in the blood A mineralocorticoid hormone Adrenal cortex DHEA and Androgenic Steroids Weak male hormones Precursors to estrogens and androgens Epinephrine (Adrenaline) and Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline) To cope with stress Can increase heart rate Force heart contractions Increase blood flow to muscles and brain Can tighten blood vessels Control blood pressure Increase it in response to stress From the adrenal medulla Hormone Functions

Regulation feedback system Negative Stimulus induces hypothalamus to create a hormone which will stimulate the pituitary to secrete another hormone into vascular system i.e. low cortisol levels stimulate hypothalamus to secrete CRH which triggers anterior pituitary to secrete ACTH into bloodstream Adrenal glands are triggered to make and release hormones to the rest of the body i.e. adrenal glands receive ACTH and make cortisol, releasing it into the bloodstream Higher hormone levels detected and production of hormone i.e. hypothalamus and pituitary gland stop secretion of CRH and ACTH Negative anterior stops

Disease Adrenal insufficiency Causes Diseases of the adrenal glands Primary adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison’s disease Often from diseases in the hypothalamus Diseases pituitary Secondary adrenal insufficiency Autoimmune disorders Infections Cancer Genetic factors. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Genetic disorder Missing essential enzymes to produce cortisol or aldosterone Low levels of cortisol Low levels of aldosterone in primary adrenal insufficiency Symptoms Weight loss Poor appetite Nausea and vomiting Fatigue Abdominal pain When sudden, can cause comas shock, and seizures Disease

Citations “Adrenal Glands.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/endocrinology/adrenal_glands_85,p00399. https://www.verywell.com/catecholamine-1763875 http://slideplayer.com/slide/4281066/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279083/ -image http://slideplayer.com/slide/10970156/ -image