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Adrenal Glands - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 14:09, 21 February 2011
, 14:09, 21 February 2011→Histology
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==Functional anatomy==
[[Image:Normal adrenal cortex.jpg|right|thumb|125px|<small><center>'''Normal Adrenal Cortex'''. Courtesy of A. Jefferies</center></small>]]
The adrenal glands are essential to life.
They are closely applied to the cranial poles of each kidney. Consists of a cortex and medulla, each having different embryological origin. In some lower animals the two components actually exist as separate endcrine glands.
*'''Cortex''': Secretes a variety of steroid hormones derived from ''cholesterol''.
**''Zona glomerulosa'': Secretes '''Aldosterone'''. Concerned with electrolyte and fluid homeostasis.
**''Zona Fasciculata'': Secretes '''Glucocorticoids'''. Controls metabolism of lipid, protein and carbohydrate.
**''Zona Reticularis'': Produces '''Sex hormones'''. Supplements gonadal sex hormone secretion.
*'''Medulla''': Embryologically similar origin to the sympathetic nervous system. Secretes ''catecholamine hormones'' E.g. Adrenaline, noradrenaline.<br>
Secretion from the medulla is directly controlled by the sympathetic nervous
system, allowing a rapid response. In contrast, the secretions from the cortex are controlled by the hormones ACTH and other circulating hormones.
As with any endocrine gland there are two main types of pathology:
*Insufficiency leading to [[Hypoadrenocorticism|'''Addisons disease''']].
*Excess leading to [[Hyperadrenocorticism|'''Cushings disease''']].
[[Category:Endocrine System - Anatomy & Physiology]]
[[Category:Endocrine System - Anatomy & Physiology]]
[[Category:A&P Done]]
[[Category:A&P Done]]