Adrenal cortex, secretion

The adrenal gland lies on the superior surface of each kidney. It is a double organ composed of an outer cortex and an inner medulla In response to ACTH secreted by the anterior pituitary, the adrenal cortex secretes several hormones (the glucocorticoids, the mineralocorticoids, and small amounts of sex hormones). 

Adrenal gland A triangle-shaped organ positioned at the top of the kidney which functions as a double endocrine gland . The larger outer adrenal cortex secretes three classes of steroid hormones glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol), minerlocorticoids (aldosterone) and small amounts of sex steroids (e.g., testosterone). The inner adrenal medulla secretes catecholamines (e.g., adrenaline and noradrenaline). 

Much of this older work must be re-evaluated on the basis of availability of glycogen. A relationship to the adrenal-cortex secretion might be uncovered, but this is a possibility not yet explored. In man, the injection of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) has been reported not to influence the excretion of (endogenous) glucuronic acid or of hexosamine.176... 

Q2 The adrenal cortex secretes three main groups of hormones mineralocorticoid (e.g. aldosterone), glucocorticoids (e.g. cortisol, cortisone and corticosterone) and gonadocorticoids (mainly androgens with small amounts of progesterone and oestrogen). Aldosterone is a salt-retaining hormone which acts on the kidney to facilitate sodium and water reabsorption. 

The adrenal cortex secretes steroid hormones, primarily glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Deficiency of these steroids results in Addison s disease, characterized by hypoglycaemia, lethargy and weight loss, anorexia and nausea and hypotension, which can be severe and may result in cardiovascular collapse. Treatment includes replacement of the missing steroids. 

The human adrenal cortex secretes three major classes of steroid hormones that possess a wide range of physiological functions. These include the glucocorticoids, the mineralo-corticoids, and the adrenal androgens. This chapter begins with a section on general steroid biochemistry, followed by a discussion of the clinical and biological functions of the steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. 

The human adrenal cortex secretes a number of steroid hormones that are involved with a wide range of metabolic processes from three discrete anatomical zones the zona fasciculata, the mna reticularis, and the zona glomerulosa. 

The adrenal cortex secretes aldosterone, cortisol and testosterone from different layers. Aldosterone causes salt and water reabsorption in the kidney if blood pressure or blood volume is low. Cortisol has a complex role in the body, being able to increase circulating glucose levels and mobilize amino acids and fatty acids in response to stress and trauma. Cortisol derived drugs are used therapeutically for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant actions. 

Other nonpituitary causes of Cushing s syndrome, however, include a primary tumor of the adrenal cortex secreting excessive amounts of cortisol directly into the bloodstream. This disorder also can result from the release of ACTH from secretory nonendocrine nonpituitary neoplasms ( ectopic ACTH syndrome). Cushing s syndrome is often caused by excessive doses of synthetic GCs used to treat a variety of disorders because of their potent anti-inflammatory effects (iatrogenic Cushing s syndrome). 

The adrenal cortex secretes a potent mineraiocorticoid called aldosterone, which promotes salt and water retention and potassium and hydrogen ion excretion. 

Potassium adrenal cortex secretes secrete ADH —> to increase sodium... 

The outside layer(s) of a gland or a special tissue, in contrast to the inner layers or medulla. For example, the adrenal cortex secretes steroid hormones whereas, the adrenal medulla secretes catecholamine hormones (adrenaline and noradrenaline). However, the most important cortex is the cerebral cortex, which is the outer layer or thinking part of the human brain. 

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