PSL201Y1 Lecture Notes - Fatty Acid Metabolism, Zona Glomerulosa, Hypoglycemia
Document Summary
Adrenal glands are located above the kidneys (suprarenal glands). Consists of a cortex (80% of the total mass), and a medulla. It is essentially two glands in one because the cortex and medulla are structurally and functionally distinct. The adrenal cortex is stratified into 3 distinct layers: 1) zona glomerulosa (outer layer), 2) zona fasciculata (middle layer), 3) zona reticularis (inner layer). The adrenal cortex secretes a number of hormones collectively called adrenocorticoids: mineralcorticoids: primarily aldosterone; secreted exclusively by cells in the zona glomerulosa. They regulate na reabsorption and k secretion by the kidneys: glucocorticoids: primarily cortisol; secreted by cells in the zona fasciculate and zona reticularis. They regulate body"s response to stress; protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism; blood glucose levels: sex hormones: primarily androgens; secreted by zona fasciculate and zona reticularis, and by the gonads. Secretion of these in the adrenal cortex is very little. In females, adrenal androgens may stimulate sex drive.
