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ADRENAL GLAND- ADRENAL CORTEX HORMONES.

The Adrenal Cortex secretes the Adrenal Cortical Hormones. These are:

  1. Cortisol (hydrocortisone).
  2. Aldosterone
  3. Gonadocorticoids

Cortisol (hydrocortisone).

Functions

  1. elevates blood sugar levels by acceleration of glycogenolysis and glucogenolysis
  2. causes conversion of proteins into carbohydrates - resulting in "Tissue Wasting"]
    -           promotes protein catabolism
    -           promotes fat catabolism
    -           promotes vasoconstriction to maintains normal blood pressure
    -           promotes stress resistance through Anti-Inflammatory actions

2. Aldosterone

Functions

causes Sodium retention and Potassium excretion
causes water retention and blood pressure increases

3. Gonadocorticoids

Functions

Gonadocorticoids are the sex hormones that are produced by the adrenal cortex in small amounts in both males and females

Abnormal Adrenal Cortical Function:

A. Addison's Disease

Caused by Hyposecretion of Cortical hormones.

  1. Results in increased blood potassium levels.
  2. Results decreased sodium retention and dehydration.
  3. Results decreased blood glucose levels.
  4. Results decreased blood pressure.
  5. Results decreased stress resistance.
  6. Results increased risk of kidney failure

B. Cushing's syndrome

Causes by Hypersecretion of Cortical Hormones and it:

  1. results in shifts of the body fat to the face and shoulders.
  2. results in general body weakness.
  3. results in altered carbohydrate & electrolyte metabolism

C. Adrenogenital Syndrome

  1. Caused by Hypersecretion of Gonadotropins and it:
    results in premature sexual development in both males and females.
  2. results in masculinization of females.

 

 
 
Adrenal   adrenalmedulla