By: Victor Kasianov
& Connor Slaunwhite
Location
• The adrenal glands are situate atop the
kidneys
Adrenal Cortex
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The adrenal cortex is the outer layer of the adrenal
gland, it produces three main types of hormones:
1.
Glucocorticoids (steroid) – associated with blood
glucose levels
Mineralcorticoids (steroid) – second major group of
hormones produced by the adrenal cortex.
Small amounts of sex hormones
The adrenal cortex also produces other steroid
hormons.
2.
3.
4.
Glucocorticoids
• One of the most important glucocorticoids
is cortical. Cortical increases the amount
of amino acids in the blood in an attempt
to help the body recover from stress.
Mineralcorticoids
• The most important mineralcorticoid is
Aldosterone. The secretion of aldosterone
increases sodium rotation & water
reabsorption by the kidneys. Thereby
helping to maintain homeostasis.
Regulation
• Both hormones are regulated by the
anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that
secretes ACTH (adrenocorticotropic
hormone). This ACTH is carried through
the blood cells to the adrenal cortex.
The Adrenal Medulla
• The adrenal medulla is enclosed in the adrenal
cortex.
• The medulla is promaraly composed of cells
called chromaffin cells.
• The medulla is considered to be an extention of
the sympathetic nervous system.
• The medulla produces two similar hormones
called epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Epinephrine/Norepinephrine
• Epinepherine and norepinephrine are water soluble
hormones secreted by the adrenal medulla.
• Their primary function is to increase the concentration of
glucose in the bloodstream.
• When the hormones are secreted into the bloodstream it
activates the glycogen, a carbohydrate storage
compound in muscle and liver cells and releases ready
to use glucose. The elevated presence of blood sugar
increases the amount of usable energy.
• This increases the heart rate, breathing rate and cell
metabolism. It also causes dilation of blood vessels, and
dilation of the iris, increasing the size of pupil allows
more visual information to be received.
Regulation
• The secretion of hormones from the
medulla is activated by the sympathetic
nervous system. In a stressful situation,
when the fight-or-flight reflex is initiated
the adrenal medulla secretes its hormones
into the blood stream.
Possible Problems
• Hypersecretion of corticosteroids:
– Changes in carbohydrate and protein metabolism resulting in a puffy
appearance. In extreme cases, "buffalo hump" and "moon face" occur.
• Hypersecretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine:
– Hypertension, hyperglycemia, nervousness, sweating, and complete
exhaustion occur.
• Hyposecretion of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids:
– Hypoglycemia, sodium and potassium imbalance, dehydration,
hypotension, and rapid weight loss. If treatment is not pursued, death
will occur.
Interesting Facts
• The adrenal medulla can be surgically removed
without any bad side effects.
But if the adrenal cortex were removed, death
would be the resulting factor.
The cortex and medulla are found as 2 separate
glands in some species like amphibians. Some
speculate that they were once separated in out
body as well because they work independently
of each other.
~Quiz~
• 1. Where is the adrenal gland located?
• 2. Name a hormone produced by each
part of the adrenal gland.
• 3.Can you die by removing the adrenal
cortex?
Adrenal Wrapz
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Yea yea check it out,
this is wud it’z all about,
hoez all up in here,
settin up the adrenal gear.
We got da cortex n’ medulla,
beefin er up,
Spittin up so many hormonez
its fillin up a cup.
We be feelin fine,(unless my sympathetic system kicks in then I’m a little stressed out but no worries
the adrenal gland will secrete the hormones so I will be ready to perform my fight-or-flight reflex)
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All we do rhyme
Cause that’s how we roll,
We pass in dem projeks on tyem.
Our time is up, time for the next presenter
So we leave you with our last slide, it’s a bro’n’out good ender.
Bonus marks please
Beef up