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Adrenal Glands - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 15:52, 11 September 2008
, 15:52, 11 September 2008→Adrenal Cortex
* It can have '''anti-inflammatory''' effects. It inhibits the formation of prostaglandins and cytokines and reduces the ability of white blood cells being transported to an injured area. It helps keep in check inflammatory processes that could potentially cause tissue damage.
* It can have '''anti-inflammatory''' effects. It inhibits the formation of prostaglandins and cytokines and reduces the ability of white blood cells being transported to an injured area. It helps keep in check inflammatory processes that could potentially cause tissue damage.
* It is also '''immunosuppressive''' by reducing the lymphocyte numbers in circulation and reducing antibody production.
* It is also '''immunosuppressive''' by reducing the lymphocyte numbers in circulation and reducing antibody production.
===='''Androgens'''====
===='''Androgens'''====
These hormones function as male sex hormones. The most important of these is '''testosterone'''. This is produced by the conversion of pregnenolone to dehydroepiandrosterone, then to androstenedione and finally to testosterone. This occurs in the zona reticularis. They bind in the blood to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. Most adrenal androgens have little physiological action untill they are coverted to testosterone.
These hormones function as male sex hormones. The most important of these is '''testosterone'''. This is produced by the conversion of pregnenolone to dehydroepiandrosterone, then to androstenedione and finally to testosterone. This occurs in the zona reticularis. They bind in the blood to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. Most adrenal androgens have little physiological action untill they are coverted to testosterone.
They have little importance within the male. In women adrenal androgens, which are converted to oestrogen in adipose tissue, is the most important source of oestrogen after the menopause.
They have little importance within the male. In women adrenal androgens, which are converted to oestrogen in adipose tissue, is the most important source of oestrogen after the menopause.
==='''Adrenal Medulla'''===
==='''Adrenal Medulla'''===