The Adrenal Glands are paired triangular organs embedded in the upper poles of the kidneys. Match the correct terms that apply with the function: Adrenal medulla Options:
1. contains the Chromaffin cells which produce norepinephrine and epinephrine to prepare the body for “fight or flight”
2. The portion of the adrenal cortex that produces mineralocorticoids. which aids in controlling electrolyte homeostasis and osmotic balance in the urine and serum.
3. The portion of the adrenal cortex that produces glucocorticoids, which regulate gluconeogenesis and glycogenesis.
4. The portion of the adrenal cortex that produces weak glucocorticoids; adrenal androgens, which induce development of male and female secondary sex characteristics
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is:
1. contains the Chromaffin cells which produce norepinephrine and epinephrine to prepare the body for “fight or flight.”
Explanation:
The adrenal glands are essential for managing stress responses and regulating various physiological functions. These glands consist of two distinct parts: the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla.
- Adrenal Medulla: The adrenal medulla is the inner part of the adrenal gland. It is composed mainly of chromaffin cells, which are responsible for producing catecholamines, namely norepinephrine and epinephrine (also called adrenaline and noradrenaline). These hormones are critical in preparing the body for the “fight or flight” response, a physiological reaction to stress. When the body is faced with a threat or a stressful situation, the adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream. These hormones cause increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, enhanced blood flow to muscles, and the release of glucose from energy stores, all of which prepare the body for rapid action. The release of these hormones essentially primes the body to face an emergency.
- Adrenal Cortex: The adrenal cortex is the outer part of the adrenal gland and is divided into three regions, each producing different types of hormones:
- Mineralocorticoids: Produced in the outer zone of the adrenal cortex, these hormones, such as aldosterone, regulate sodium and potassium levels in the blood, helping to maintain electrolyte balance and proper osmotic pressure in both the blood and urine.
- Glucocorticoids: The middle zone of the adrenal cortex produces glucocorticoids like cortisol. These hormones are involved in regulating glucose metabolism, increasing gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources), and influencing stress responses.
- Gonadocorticoids: In the innermost zone of the adrenal cortex, weak androgens are produced. These hormones contribute to the development of secondary sex characteristics, including the growth of facial hair in men and the deepening of the voice in both genders.
Thus, while the adrenal medulla handles immediate responses to stress, the adrenal cortex helps regulate longer-term processes such as metabolism, fluid balance, and reproductive functions.