Endocrine

Question 1

Adrenal Anatomy

Answer 1

Triangular shaped glands at the superior pole of the kidneys.
Anatomically it is split into the outer cortex and inner medulla.
The outer cortex = 70% of tissue has 3 layers
zona glomerulosa - aldosterone
zona fasicularata - cortisol
zona reticularis - sex steroids
the cortex produces steroid hormones.

The medulla = 30% of tissue and is a modified sympathetic ganglion.
It contains multiple chromaffin cells that produce adrenaline.

Question 2

Can you describe steroid hormone synthesis?

Answer 2

All corticosteroids are synthesised within the adrenal cortex from cholesterol.

Question 3

Cortisol Actions

Answer 3

1. Catabolic Effects: - anti-insulin effects.
   Protein catabolism
   Gluconeogenesis
   Fat redistribution.
2. permissive effect on peripheral vascular response to catecholamines.
3. potent anti-inflammatory
   reduce macrophage + neutrophil migration
   reduced cytokine production
   stabilise lysosomal membranes
4. mineralocorticoid activity
5. thyroid axis - inhibits conversion of T4 to T3.