Melanie McGovern Anthony Totera Jaylin Martinez Period 5 Adrenal Gland Melanie McGovern Anthony Totera Jaylin Martinez Period 5

What Is the Endocrine System The Endocrine System influences almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies. The endocrine system is instrumental in regulating mood, growth and development, tissue function, metabolism, and sexual function and reproductive processes. It is in charge of body processes that happen slowly, such as cell growth. The nervous system works with the endocrine system to help the body function properly. The hormones and glands are the foundations of the endocrine system. The major glands that make up the human endocrine system include the: hypothalamus pituitary gland thyroid parathyroids adrenal glands pineal body reproductive glands (which include the ovaries and testes) pancreas

Adrenal Gland

Adrenal Gland Location The adrenal glands are located in the retroperitoneum superior to the kidneys, they are quadrilateral in shape and are situated bilaterally.

Adrenal Glands Role/ Function The adrenal glands are small organs that rest on top of each kidney. They play an important role in the body, producing numerous hormones that impact our development and growth, affect our ability to deal with stress, and help to regulate kidney function. It is comprised of two parts, the cortex and the medulla. The medulla, which is the inner part of the adrenal glands, produces the hormones norepinephrine and epinephrine, which regulates the body's reaction to stressful events. The cortex, which is the outer part of the adrenal glands, produces several hormones that affect blood pressure and blood sugar levels, growth, and also some sexual characteristics. Adrenal Glands Animation http://catalog.nucleusinc.com/generateexhibit.php?ID=44444 Adrenal Glands Role/ Function

Hormones secreted by Adrenal Gland Epinephrine (adrenaline) Norepinephrine (non adrenaline) Glucocorticoids Hormones secreted by Adrenal Gland

Epinephrine “Fight or Flight” Hormone Adrenaline It is being constantly produced but in times of danger, excitement, or stress the adrenal gland produces much more Effects on the body: Increased physical strength Greater energy Heart is stimulated Raised blood pressure Constricts blood vessels Releases sugar in the liver Relaxes involuntary muscles while contracting others

Norepinephrine “Fight or Flight” Hormone Non Adrenaline This hormone balances Epinephrine. It is also produced during times of danger, excitement, or stress but its job is to get the body back to regular conditions. Effects: Increases blood pressure Stimulates respiration Decreases heart rate Constricts blood vessels in skin, muscles, and the peripheral nervous system Decreases stimulation in airways and lungs

Glucocorticoids “Stress Hormones” Hydrocortisone (also known as, cortisol or cortisone) is the most abundant form Best known for providing energy during physical or emotional stress (like while fighting illnesses or when your safety is threatened). Effects: Releases sugar glucose Converts sugar, fat, and protein into usable energy Suppresses immune responses Speeds up metabolism

Disease 1: Cushing’s Syndrome A hormonal disorder that is caused by over exposure to too much cortisol (a hormone that the adrenal gland creates). Symptoms: Upper body obesity Thin arms and legs Severe fatigue and muscle weakness High blood pressure High blood sugar Easy bruising Stretch marks Acne Bone loss This is diagnosed by your doctor completing a physical exam and a blood or urine or saliva test Depending on what caused the disease it can be treated by reducing corticosteroid use, surgery, radiation therapy, or medications.

Disease 2: Addison’s Disease This disease is caused when the adrenal gland doesn’t produce enough cortisol or aldosterone. Symptoms: Muscle weakness and fatigue Weight loss and decreased appetite Hyperpigmentation Low blood pressure, even fainting Salt craving Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) Nausea, diarrhea or vomiting Muscle or joint pains Irritability Depression Body hair loss or sexual dysfunction in women This can be diagnosed by a blood test, ACTH stimulation test, imaging test, or a hypoglycemia test. The disease can be treated by oral corticosteroids, corticosteroid injections, or androgen replacement therapy.

Interesting facts about the Adrenal Gland There are 2 Adrenal glands that sit on top of both of the kidneys. They are orange and triangular shaped. The Adrenal gland is about a ½ inch high and 3 inches long. Each of the glands release hormones and do different jobs. Tumors of the pituitary gland (located in the brain) cause problems in the adrenal gland Have been referred to as the kidney’s hat because of their location and appearance Interesting facts about the Adrenal Gland

The Free Dictionary. Farlex, n. d. Web. 11 Mar. 2013 The Free Dictionary. Farlex, n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2013. <http://medical- dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/norepinephrine>. Kids Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2013. <http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/body_basics /endocrine.html>. Mayo Clinic. N.p., 11 Mar. 2013. Web. 11 Mar. 2013. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/DiseasesIndex/DiseasesI ndex>. Medical Discoveries. N.p., 3 Oct. 2012. Web. 11 Mar. 2013. <http://www.discoveriesinmedicine.com/Enz- Ho/Epinephrine.html>. Thompson, Gale. Human Anatomy and Physiology. N.p.: n.p., 2010. Print. Bibliography

Concept Check Questions Which organ are the Adrenal Glands located closest to? The Brain The Kidneys The Lungs The Pancreas What are the two parts of the Adrenal Gland? The cortex and medulla The inner and outer The epimysium and perimysium The later and medial

Concept Check Questions What are the two parts of the Adrenal Gland? The cortex and medulla The inner and outer The epimysium and perimysium The later and medial What are the hormones secreted by the Adrenal Gland? Explain what each of the hormones do. Which of the following is NOT a disease caused by the adrenal gland? Cushing’s Syndrome Addison’s Disease Barlow’s Syndrome Hypoglcemia What are the hormones secreted by the Adrenal Gland ? Explain what each of the hormones do . Concept Check Questions