adrenal GLANDINTRODUCTION The adrenal glands develop from two separate embryological tissues; the neural crest ectoderm and the intermediate mesoderm. The medulla originates from neural crest cells. The adrenal cortex develops from the intermediate mesoderm. The fetal cortex develops in the centre, with the permanent cortex surrounding it. By 4 months of age the adrenal gland is fully developedPosition and location The adrenal glands located on the upper poles of each kidney on the right and left sides They are covered by peritoneum on the posterior abdominal wall they are embedded into pre renal fat The left one is larger and higher than the right Adrenal gland measures :- Location ofthe Adrenal Glands Width 3.cm Length 5 cm Thickness 1. cm aden t ands Weight 7-10 gm Colour —yellowishANATOMY OF ADRENAL GLANDS The adrenal glands are paired bodies lying cranial to the kidneys within the retroperitoneal space. The glands consist of two layers; rc cortex Cross-section of an Adrenal Gland i. medulla. adrenal cortex adrenal medullaADRENAL CORTEX The adrenal cortex is red to light brown 7 in colour and is composed of three 4 zones. From the outer to inner, the layers are; 1. zonaglomerulosa- is narrow and the cells are in a whorled pattern. 2. zonafasciculata- wide and the cells lie in columns and 3. zonareticularis- more randomly Preece ‘Arena Gland ; ‘AdvenlCrtex. organised. inersicotiois The adrenal cortex represents 80-90% —— of the adrenal gland. The adrenal medulla represents only 10-20% of the adrenal gland.HORMONES OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX e The adrenocortical hormones and their functions in the body are classified into: 1. Mineralocorticoids 2. Glucocorticoids 3. Adrenal androgens1. MINERALOCORTICOIDS * These hormones help to control the water and electrolyte homeostasis, particularly the concentration of Na+ and K+ ions. Mineralocorticoids include the following hormones: » They are produced in the zona glomerulosa. - The primary mineralocorticoid is aldosterone. Its secretion is regulated by the oligopeptide angiotensin II (angiotensin II is regulated by angiotensin I, which in turn is regulated by renin). - Aldosterone is secreted in response to high extracellular potassium levels, low extracellular sodium levels, and low fluid levels and blood volume. - Aldosterone affects metabolism in different ways: Olt increases urinary excretion of potassium ions. Olt increases interstitial levels of sodium ions. Ult increases water retention and blood volume.2. GLUCOCORTICOIDS They are produced in the zona fasciculata. The primary glucocorticoid released by the adrenal gland in the human is cortisol and corticosterone in many other animals. Its secretion is regulated by the hormone ACTH from the anterior pituitary. Upon binding to its target, cortisol enhances metabolism in several ways: O It stimulates the release of amino acids from the body O It stimulates lipolysis, the breakdown of fat O It stimulates gluconeogenesis, the production of glucose from newly-released amino acids and lipids O It increases blood glucose levels in response to stress, by inhibiting glucose uptake into muscle and fat cells O It strengthens cardiac muscle contractions O It increases water retention O It has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects3. ANDROGEN » Androgen, also called androgenic hormones or testoids, is the generic term for any natural or synthetic compound, usually a steroid hormone, that stimulates or controls the development and maintenance of male characteristics in vertebrates by binding to androgen receptors. = This includes the activity of the accessory male sex organs and development of male secondary sex characteristics. = Androgens were first discovered in 1936. = Androgens are also the original anaboli steroids and the precursor of all estrogens, the female sex hormones. =» The primary and most well-known androgen is testosterone. » Androgen ablation can be used as an effective therapy in prostate cancer.Adrenal medulla - The adrenal medulla is part of the adrenal gland. It is located at the center of the gland, being surrounded by the adrenal cortex. + Itis the inner most part of the adrenal gland, consisting of cells that secrete epinephrine, norepinephrine, and a small amount of dopamine in response to stimulation by sympathetic preganglionic neurons.e Function - Rather than releasing a neurotransmitter, the cells of the adrenal medulla secrete hormones. Composed mainly of hormone-producing chromaffin cells, the adrenal medulla is the principal site of the conversion of the amino acid tyrosine into the catecholamines adrenaline (epinephrine), noradrenaline (norepinephrine), and dopamine. Notable effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline include increased heart rate and blood pressure, blood vessel constriction in the skin and gastrointestinal tract, blood vessel dilation in skeletal muscles, bronchiole dilation, and decreased metabolism, all of which are characteristic of the fight-or-flight response. Release of catecholamines is stimulated by nerve impulses, and receptors for catecholamines are widely distributed throughout the body.Epinephrine (Also called adrenaline) » Epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) is a hormone and neurotransmitter. » Itincreases heart rate, contracts blood vessels, dilates air passages and participates in the fight-or- flight response of the sympathetic nervous system.Chemically, epinephrine is a catecholamine, a monoamine produced only by the adrenal glands from the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine. = The term adrenaline is derived from the Latin roots ad- and renes and literally means on the kidney, in reference to the adrenal gland's anatomic location on the kidney.Norepinephrine (Also called noradrenaline.) Norepinephrine (INN) (abbreviated norepi or NE) or noradrenaline (BAN) (abbreviated NA or NAd) is a catecholamine with multiple roles including as a hormone and a neurotransmitter. As a stress hormone, norepinephrine affects parts of the brain where attention and responding actions are controlled. Along with epinephrine, norepinephrine also underlies the fight-or-flight response, directly increasing heart rate, triggering the release of glucose from energy stores, and increasing blood flow to skeletal muscle. Norepinephrine can also suppress neuroinflammation when released diffusely in the brain from the locus ceruleus.« FUNCTIONS: « Function of adrenal medulla: Rather than releasing a neurotransmitter, the cells of the adrenal medulla secrete hormones. Notable effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline include increased heart rate and blood pressure, blood vessel constriction in the skin and gastrointestinal tract, blood vessel dilation in skeletal muscles all of which are characteristic of the fight-or-flight response. Release of catecholamines is stimulated by nerve impulses, and receptors for catecholamines are widely distributed throughout the body. ° Functions of adrenal cortex: It stimulates the release of amino acids from the body. It stimulates lipolysis, the breakdown of fat. » It increases urinary excretion of potassium ions. It increases interstitial levels of sodium ions. It increases water retention and blood volume. Testes formation SpermatogenesisDISEASES OF THE ADRENAL GLAND: OCushing’s syndrome In Cushing's syndrome, the level of corticosteroids is excessive, usually from overproduction by the adrenal glands.Addison’s syndrome e In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands are underactive, resulting in a deficiency of adrenal hormones.THANK YOU