JASIMAH P.

GUTOC NE-1

1. Describe the three layers of the adrenal cortex, and name the hormones produced by each layer.
The three layers of the adrenal cortex are the following: zona glomerulosa (outermost layer), zona
fasciculata (middle layer), and the zona reticularis (innermost layer).

The zona glomerulosa secretes the mineralocorticoids, which are mainly aldosterone. This hormone helps
regulate water volume and blood potassium and sodium levels. It acts to retain sodium levels, maintain
potassium excretion, and minimize water loss.

The middle layer, zona fasciculata, secretes the glucocorticoids in which the majority is the cortisol
hormone. It increases blood glucose levels for energy use by breaking down proteins into amino acids and
lipids into fatty acids. Its secretion is further stimulated during a stressful situation wherein the body tissues
require greater amount of energy.

Lastly, the adrenal androgens are secreted by the innermost layer—zona reticularis. Aside from the
testosterone, the androgens are also somehow responsible for the development of men’s secondary sexual
characteristics. Moreover, it also stimulates pubic and axillary hair growth in women.

2. What effects are produced by an increase and decrease of insulin? Describe three ways in which insulin
secretion is regulated.
An increase of insulin will stimulate most of the body tissues to increase their uptake of glucose and
promote conversion of excess glucose into adipose and glycogen storage within the liver and skeletal
muscles. On the other hand, a decreased secretion of insulin will result to a decreased glucose uptake by the
tissues and an increased glycogen breakdown and glucose synthesis in the liver.

Insulin secretion is primarily regulated by blood glucose concentration levels. When there is an elevated
level of blood glucose, beta cells of the pancreatic islets are stimulated to increase insulin secretion.
Conversely, a decreased/low blood glucose level will also result to a decrease in insulin secretion.

Another two ways that the insulin secretion is regulated is through the opposing actions of the
parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system. An increased parasympathetic stimulation associated
with digestion of a meal signals the pancreas to increase insulin secretion due to the presence of sugar in
food. On the other hand, a stress-induced sympathetic stimulation causes the pancreas to inhibit insulin
secretion as glucose in bloodstream will be used to prepare the body for a physical activity.

3. What effects are produced by an increase and decrease of glucagon? How is glucagon secretion
regulated?
An increased secretion of glucagon stimulates the breakdown of glycogen in the liver into glucose. When
there is a decrease of glucagon secretion, conversion of glycogen into glucose also decreases. This may cause
a person to feel dizzy especially when glucose levels in the blood have dropped several hours after his or her
last meal.

Glucagon secretion is an example of a negative feedback system that is regulated primarily by blood
glucose levels. Low glucose level in the blood stimulates the secretion of glucagon whereas elevated blood
glucose levels, especially upon eating, results to the decrease of glucagon secretion. In addition to this,
activation of the sympathetic nervous system stimulates the pancreas to secrete glucagon so as to facilitate
the breaking down of glycogen in preparation for the body to undergo physical activity.