ADRENAL GLANDSJen, Erin, Haleigh, JeanaPeriod 1

WHERE ARE THEY?

The adrenal glands are located bilaterally in the retroperitoneum superior and slightly medial to the kidneys

CORTISOL

A type of glucocorticosteroid associated with stress-fighting and anti-inflammatory responses

Helps metabolize lipids and proteins to produce energy

Diets high in protein and fat require cortisol for these molecules to be used in place of carbohydrates

The adrenal cortex would diminish without regular adrenocorticotrophic hormone secretions

ALDOSTERONE A steroid hormone that the adrenal cortex secretes to control sodium and potassium in the blood

It is the major mineralocorticosteroid that the adrenal cortex secretes

Regulates the minerals potassium and sodium

A healthy balance of potassium and sodium are necessary for normal muscle and nerve function

Increased potassium and decreased sodium in the blood are two factors that signal to release of aldosterone to regulate salts and retain water

This occurs in the digestive system, kidneys, salivary glands, and sweat glands

ADRENALINE A hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to exercise, fear, or stress

It is the main hormone produced by the adrenal medulla

Heavy physical exertion and stress are the two most common signals that cause adrenaline secretion

Low blood sugar also promotes adrenaline secretion by signaling the hypothalamus

Diverts blood away from many of the body organs and directs it to muscle

Elevates the metabolic rate of muscle cells, and increases blood pressure and heart function

NOREPINEPHRINE A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that has a stimulatory effect on the nervous system

Primarily affects nerve cell function related to the body’s response to activity stress

Norepinephrine and adrenaline both increase the discharge of glucose and fats into the blood

Causes an increase in the amount of oxygen going to the brain, an increase in heart rate, and an increase in breathing rate

 

VIDEO CLIP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDS3vJ_qTQ8

DISEASE ASSOCIATED WITH CORTISOL IN THE ADRENAL

GLANDS Cushing’s Syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body's tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol.

Cushing's syndrome occurs when the body's tissues are exposed to high levels of cortisol for too long.

This disease is relatively rare and most commonly affects adults aged 20 to 50.

WHAT CAUSES CUSHING’S SYNDROME? Cushing's syndrome occurs when the

body's tissues are exposed to excessive levels of cortisol for long periods of time

First, the hypothalamus sends corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) to the pituitary gland

CRH causes the pituitary to secrete ACTH (adrenocorticotropin), a hormone that stimulates the adrenal glands

When the adrenals, which are located just above the kidneys, receive the ACTH, they respond by releasing cortisol into the bloodstream

SYMPTOMS OF CUSHING SYNDROME

People suffer symptoms because they take glucocorticoid hormones such as: prednisone for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other inflammatory diseases, or for immunosuppression after transplantation

Symptoms vary most people have upper body obesity, rounded face, increased fat around the neck, and thinning arms and legs

children tend to be obese with slowed growth rates

Other symptoms appear in the skin becomes fragile and thin bruises easily and heals poorly purplish pink stretch marks may appear on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms and breasts

bones are weakened routine activities such as bending, lifting or rising from a chair may lead to backaches, rib and spinal column fractures.

SYMPTOMS (CONT.)

Most people have severe fatigue, weak muscles, high blood pressure and high blood sugar

Irritability, anxiety and depression are common

Women usually have excess hair growth on their faces, necks, chests, abdomens, and thighsTheir menstrual periods may become irregular or stop

Men have decreased fertility with diminished or absent desire for sex.

WHAT CAUSES ADDISON’S DISEASE? Failure to produce adequate levels of

cortisol can occur for different reasons

The problem may be due to a disorder of the adrenal glands themselves (primary adrenal insufficiency) or to inadequate secretion of ACTH by the pituitary gland (secondary adrenal insufficiency)

Most cases are caused by the gradual destruction of the adrenal cortex, the outer layer of the adrenal glands, by the body's own immune system

SYMPTOMS OF ADDISON’S DISEASE

chronic, worsening fatigue

muscle weakness

loss of appetite

weight loss

nausea

vomiting

diarrhea

low blood pressure that falls further when standing, causing dizziness or fainting

skin changes

VIDEO CLIPS

Cushing’s Syndrome: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1osIAtrto2k

Addison’s Disease: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AEPFheyqYE

INTERESTING FACTS:

Most people know about the adrenal glands because of James L. Wilson. He is naturopathic doctor who created the term “adrenal fatigue,” calling it the “21st-century stress syndrome and used it for the title of his book in 1998. He believes modern life and chronic stress exhaust the adrenal glands, overworking them and causing them to produce lower levels of hormones needed to cope with stress.

Adrenal fatigue is unproven and most endocrinologists dismiss it as an “Internet disease.”

INTERESTING FACTS:

Most people know about the adrenal glands because of James L. Wilson. He is naturopathic doctor who created the term “adrenal fatigue,” calling it the “21st-century stress syndrome and used it for the title of his book in 1998. He believes modern life and chronic stress exhaust the adrenal glands, overworking them and causing them to produce lower levels of hormones needed to cope with stress.

Adrenal fatigue is unproven and most endocrinologists dismiss it as an “Internet disease.”

FUN FACTS

Adrenal glands are acorn sized

They control the flight or fight hormones

Each gland weighs about 4 grams

CONCEPT QUESTIONS

1. Where is the adrenal gland located?

2. What are the four different hormones associated with the adrenal gland?

3. What are the causes of Cushing’s Syndrome and Addison’s Disease?

BIBLIOGRAPHY

"Cushing's Syndrome Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - What Causes Cushing's Syndrome? - MedicineNet." MedicineNet. N.p., 15

Apr. 2014. Web. 13 Mar. 2015.

"Addison's Disease Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Addison's Disease? - MedicineNet." MedicineNet. N.p., 15 Apr. 2014. Web. 13 Mar. 2015.

“Adrenal Gland: Fascinating Facts about Body Parts | Toronto Star." Thestar.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2015.”