Biology 2402 Lab: Adrenal Glands

Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands

• Location: Positioned on top of the kidneys.
• Structure:
  • Cortex: Outer region.
  • Medulla: Inner triangular region.
  • Capsule: Outer layer.
• Microscope Image:
  • Zones: Glomerulosa (outer), Fasciculata (middle), Reticularis (inner, bordering medulla).
  • Mnemonic: GFR (Glomerulosa, Fasciculata, Reticularis).

Adrenal Cortex

• Zones and Hormones:
  • Zona Glomerulosa:
    • Produces mineralocorticoids (electrolyteocorticoids).
    • Main hormone: Aldosterone.
    • Function: Reabsorbs sodium and chloride in kidneys, leading to water reabsorption. Causes potassium secretion.
  • Zona Fasciculata:
    • Produces glucocorticoids.
    • Main hormone: Cortisol.
    • Functions: Anti-inflammatory, regulates blood sugar by increasing levels through gluconeogenesis.
  • Zona Reticularis:
    • Produces gonadocorticoids (androgens, precursors to sex hormones).
    • Converts to testosterone in testes and estrogen in ovaries.

Adrenal Medulla

• Key Hormones:
  • Epinephrine (Adrenaline) and Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline):
    • Function: Involved in the fight-or-flight response.
    • Effects: Increases heart rate, dilates pupils, enhances muscle blood flow.
    • Additional effects during exercise and fear.
  • Chronic Overproduction: Can lead to negative health outcomes (e.g., increased heart rate, vasoconstriction, elevated blood sugar).

Study Recommendations

• Review the section videos and images.
• Familiarize with models and images for quizzes and tests.

Note: Always try to decipher complex terms by breaking them down (e.g., gluconeogenesis: gluco (sugar) + neo (new) + genesis (creation)).