Learning Objectives

• Name the zones of the adrenal cortex and the principal hormones secreted from each zone
• Outline the steps involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis
• Describe the important physiologic effects of cortisol
• Discuss the physiological actions of aldosterone
• Describe the mechanism of glucocorticoid secretion and regulation
• Discuss the main features of disease caused by excess or deficiency of adrenal cortex hormones
• Name the 3 catecholamines secreted from the adrenal medulla and summarise their functions
• Explain the consequences of over-secretion of adrenal catecholamines

Adrenal Gland

• where are the adrenal glands located?
• what are the outer vs inner layers called? functions?
• what are the 3 zones of the adrenal cortex?
• the adrenal medulla is a modified [tissue]?
• how does the SNS stimulate the medulla?
• what do these axonless secretory cells secrete?

Adrenal Hormones

• what are the 3 major adrenal steroid families?
• what is the rate-limiting step of adrenal steroids biosynthesis?