Anatomy and Physiology

of Adrenal Gland

Alegre, Stephen III-D BLACK

OVERVIEW
The ENDOCRINE SYSTEM is
composed of an interrelated
complex of glands (pituitary,
adrenals, thyroid, parathyroid,
islets of Langerhans of the
pancreas, thymus, pineal gland,
ovaries, and testes) that secrete a
variety of hormones directly into
the bloodstream.
Although the nervous and endocrine systems act together to
coordinate functions of all body systems, their means of control are
different.

Exocrine glands (exo- outside) – secrete

products into ducts that carry the secretions into
body cavities, into lumen of an organ, or to the
outer surface of the body.

Endocrine glands – secrete products (hormones)

into the interstitial fluid surrounding the secretory
cells, rather than into ducts.
FUNCTIONS
• Maintenance and regulation of vital
functions
• Response to stress and injury
• Growth and development
• Energy metabolism
• Reproduction
• Fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base
balance
ADRENAL
GLAND
• Two small glands, one above each
kidney
• Regulates sodium and electrolyte
balance
• Affects carbohydrate, fat, and protein
metabolism
• Influences the development of sexual
characteristics
• Sustains the “flight or fight” response
2 SECTIONS:
1. Adrenal cortex (outer portion)
• The outer shell of the adrenal
gland
• Produces
MINERALOCORTICOIDS and
GLUCOCORTICOIDS
MINERALOCORTICOIDS
Aldosterone – principal steroid with
mineralocorticoid activity
• TARGET: distal tubule of the kidney
• Increased resorption of sodium: sodium loss in urine is
decreased under aldosterone stimulation
• Increased resorption of water, with consequent expansion of the
extracellular fluid volume.
• Increased renal excretion of potassium
• REGULATORS: 1. Concentration of K+ ions in extracellular fluid
2. Angiotensin II – renin-angiotensin mechanism
- functions
• stimulation of the gluconeogenesis, particularly in
the liver
• mobilization of amino acids from extrahepatic tissue
• inhibition of glucose uptake in muscle and adipose
tissue
• stimulation of fat breakdown in adipose tissue
• anti-inflammatory effect
• immunosuppressive effect
GLUCOCORTICOIDS
- cortisol, cortison, corticosterone
- REGULATOR: ACTH which is also controlled by
hypothalamic peptide CRH (corticotropin-
releasing hormone)
- CNS is the “commander-in-chief” of response
- Any type of stressors results in elevation of
cortisol concentrations in the blood due to
enhanced secretion of CRH.
… ADRENAL CORTEX FUNCTION
• Secretion of adrenal
androgens, controlled by
ACTH, which govern
development of certain
secondary sex
characteristics.
2. Adrenal medulla
• The inner core of the adrenal gland
• Works as part of the sympathetic nervous
system
• Produces two catecholamines: (triggered by
exercise, hypoglycemia, distress,
hemorrhage)
a. epinephrine (also called as adrenalin)
b. norepinephrine (sometimes called as
noradrenalin)
CATECHOLAMINES
• Increased rate and force of contraction in the
heart muscle (epinephrine)
• Constriction of blood vessels (norepinephrine)
• Dilation of bronchioles
• Stimulation of lipolysis in fat cells
• Increased metabolic rate
• Dilation of pupils
• Inhibition of GI secretion and motor activity