11b.8 Adrenal Function

Question 1

What are the two major parts of the adrenal gland?

Answer 1

The adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla.

Question 2

What is the main function of the adrenal medulla?

Answer 2

To release catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) as part of the fight-or-flight response.

Question 3

What stimulates the adrenal medulla?

Answer 3

The sympathetic nervous system.

Question 4

What is the main function of the adrenal cortex?

Answer 4

To produce steroid hormones—mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens.

Question 5

What are the three zones of the adrenal cortex?

Answer 5

Zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis.

Question 6

What hormone is produced by the zona glomerulosa?

Answer 6

Aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid).

Question 7

What stimulates aldosterone release?

Answer 7

Decreased blood pressure or sodium levels, activating the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS).

Question 8

What is the primary function of aldosterone?

Answer 8

To increase sodium and water retention in the kidneys, raising blood pressure.

Question 9

What hormone is produced by the zona fasciculata?

Answer 9

Cortisol (a glucocorticoid).

Question 10

What stimulates cortisol release?

Answer 10

ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) from the anterior pituitary.

Question 11

What hormone is produced by the zona reticularis?

Answer 11

Androgens (e.g., testosterone and estrogen).

Question 12

What stimulates androgen release from the adrenal cortex?

Answer 12

ACTH, and to some extent FSH and LH.

Question 13

Which hormone from the hypothalamus begins the adrenal cortex stimulation pathway?

Answer 13

CRH (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone).

Question 14

What is the sequence of hormone release in the HPA axis?

Answer 14

Hypothalamus (CRH) → Pituitary (ACTH) → Adrenal Cortex (Cortisol).

Question 15

What is cortisol’s nickname?

Answer 15

The “stress hormone.”

Question 16

What is the primary function of cortisol?

Answer 16

To regulate metabolism, manage stress, and reduce inflammation.

Question 17

How does cortisol affect inflammation?

Answer 17

It decreases leukocyte numbers and activity, producing an anti-inflammatory effect.

Question 18

Why can cortisol delay healing?

Answer 18

Because inflammation is part of tissue repair, and cortisol suppresses inflammation.

Question 19

How does cortisol affect protein metabolism?

Answer 19

It increases protein synthesis in the liver but decreases it in muscle, bone, and skin.

Question 20

What can chronic high cortisol do to muscle and bone?

Answer 20

Cause muscle wasting, thin skin, and weakened bones (osteoporosis).

Question 21

How does cortisol affect glucose metabolism?

Answer 21

It decreases glucose uptake in cells and increases glucose release from the liver, raising blood glucose levels.

Question 22

What effect does cortisol have on lipid metabolism?

Answer 22

It breaks down fat in the limbs but promotes fat deposits in the face and trunk.

Question 23

What physical appearance change is seen in high cortisol conditions?

Answer 23

Fat redistribution—“moon face” and central obesity (as in Cushing’s syndrome).

Question 24

How does cortisol affect connective tissue healing?

Answer 24

It decreases fibroblast proliferation, slowing tissue repair.

Question 25

Is cortisol always harmful?

Answer 25

No—normal cortisol levels are necessary for homeostasis; problems occur with chronic elevation.

Question 26

What are some causes of chronically high cortisol?

Answer 26

Long-term stress, disease, or overuse of corticosteroid medications.

Question 27

What are key physical therapy considerations with elevated cortisol levels?

Answer 27

Slower healing, muscle weakness, bone fragility, and higher risk of metabolic complications.

Question 28

What is the overall function of the adrenal gland?

Answer 28

To regulate stress response, metabolism, blood pressure, and hormone balance through cortex and medulla activity.