Adrenal Physiology

Front 1

Adrenal Glands (human)

Back 1

"The adrenal glands (also known as suprarenal glands) are endocrine glands that sit atop the kidneys; in humans, the right suprarenal gland is triangular shaped, while the left suprarenal gland is semilunar shaped.
- Located in the retroperitoneum superior to the kidneys, bilaterally."

Front 2

Three zona of the Adrenal Cortex

Back 2

The Glomerulosa (mineral corticoids), the Fasciculata, and the Reticularis.

Front 3

Glomerulosa (outer layer of adrenal cortex)

Back 3

Mineral Corticoids:
- cholesterol > pregnenolone > progesterone >> corticosterone > *Aldosterone*

Controls:
- Angiotensin II (controls BP; increased blood pressure, lowers K+)
- Excess: Cushing's Disease
- Too little: Addison's Disease

Front 4

Cushing’s Disease

Back 4

- Controlled by ATCH.Increase in cortisol.
- Because increased ACTH, or increased activity in adrenal cortex.
- Thins the fat from the external parts of your body and deposits it on the stomach, neck, face and shoulders.
- Characterized by thin arms and legs. Skin becomes thinner, vessels show through thin skin. Face gets red because blood showing through. Get reddish purple streaks called “striae”, because blood vessels show through.

Front 5

Addison’s Disease

Back 5

- Reduced secretions from the adrenal cortex. Reduction in gluco/mineral corticoids.
- Lower Na++, increase K+ plasma, low BP, low Blood glucose, increase skin pigment
- Muscle weakness and fatigue, vomiting and loss of appetite.