Question

What is the role of adrenal glands and functions of: - catecholamines – epinephrine, norepinephrine - corticosteroids – cortisol, aldosterone?

Answer 1

Adrenal Gland-It is an Enodcrine organ that Secreates Several Hormones

It Has 2 Parts-

1.Inner Adrenal medulla-Secreates Stress Hormones(Catecholamines)-Epinephrine and Nor epinephrine

2.Outer Cortex,It has 3 parts-

a)Zona Glomerulosa -Secreates Mineralocorticoids-Aldosterone

b)Zona Fasciculata-Secreates Glucocorticoids -Cortisol,Cortisone and Corticosterone,

c)Zona reticularis-Secreates Androgens(Steroid Hormones)-Dehydroepiandrosterone.

Through These Hormones,Adrenal Gland Helps in regulation of :

1.Metabolism(Glucocorticoids)

2.Immune system (Glucocorticoids)

3.Blood pressure(Aldosterone)

4.Response to stress.(Epinephrine and Norepinephrine)

Functions of-

A)Catecholamines-(Epinephrine and Norepinephrine)

* Helps in Body's fight or flight response,They causes increased blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels.

*They can Act as a NeuroTransmitter.

B)Corticosteroids-

1.Mineralocorticoids-Aldosterone

*Helps in regulating the balance of electrolytes and water through reabsorption of sodium ions and water from urine.

2.Glucocorticoids(Cortisol,Cortisone,Corticosterone)

* Immune function------- Inflammation.

*Adipocyte Metabolism-

a)Reduce Glucose Metabolism

b)Increase insulin Sensitivty

c)Increased Triglyceride Synthesis