Adrenal Gland (Cortex) By: Katie Walker & Madison Carini Bertsch-8

Location  In the abdomen on top of the kidneys

Hormones  Estrogen  Progesterone  Steroids  Cortisol  Cortisone

Affect on Human Body  Estrogen: primary sex hormone  Progesterone: reduce the sodium-retaining  Steroids- allow proper physical function and growth  Cortisol: strengthens the immune system  Cortisone: fights viral infections

Importance  It helps balance sodium and water levels in the body. Helps with the breakdown of amino acids which maintains normal blood pressure. Acids in puberty, keeps the body alert and stimulated when necessary.

Feedback Mechanisms and Antagonistic Hormones  When your body is in need of epinephrine or adrenaline, hormones are secreted that release epinephrine, when there is too much epinephrine in the body then a hormones is released that stops the secretion of epinephrine.  Feedback Mechanism- A process in which the level of one substance influences the level of another substance.  Antagonistic Hormones- Hormones that act to return body conditions to within acceptable limits from opposite extremes are called.

What happens if the gland does not function properly? (Hyper, Hypo, or No Hormones Produced)  Hyper-secretion Glucocorticoids results in redistribution of body fat or Cushing Syndrome.  Hyper-secretion Aldosterone leads to water retention and muscle weakness.  Hyper-secretion of Androgens can cause women to acquire male characteristics.  Hypo-secretion of Glucocorticoids results in Addison Disease.

What can be done medically to correct the problems of the gland not functioning properly?  Hypo-secretion, you should use creams and ointments that contain hydrocortisone.  Hyper-secretion, you should get treatment from doctors.

Diseases associated with the adrenal gland  Addison’s disease: Autoimmune destruction of the adrenal gland (most common)  Tuberculosis: Bacterial infection  HIV: Causes adrenal insufficiency

Symptoms of adrenal diseases  Anorexia  Weakness  Fatigue  Vomiting  Abdominal pain  Salt craving  Muscle / joint pain

Sorces  Google images  "Feedback Mechanism - Definition from Biology- Online.org." Life Science Reference - Biology Online. Web. 22 Jan online.org/dictionary/Feedback_mechanism  "Adrenal Medullary Hormones." Arbl.cvmbs.colostate.edu. Web. 22 Jan rine/adrenal/medhormones.html  y/CHEM43/CHEM43/Steroids/Steroids.HTML