1. The Basics of CORTISOL Made by the adrenal glands which are located above the kidneys Chemical Class: steroid Target Tissue: all body tissues that use glucose Source of Control: hypothalamus releases CRH which triggers the anterior pituitary to release ACTH which acts on the adrenal cortex

2. Maintaining Homeostasis Helps the body manage stress Converts proteins into glucose to bloost flagging blood sugar levels Works with insulin to maintain blood sugar Reduce inflammation Maintenance of blood pressure Helps immune system

3. Hyper-Secretion v. Hypo-Secretion Hypo-Secretion: Addison’s Disease When the adrenal glands cannot produce sufficient hormones; it is thought to be caused by an autoimmune disorder Hyper-Secretion: Cushing’s Syndrome A collection of hormonal disorders characterized by high levels of the hormone cortisol; causes include tumours of the pituitary and adrenal glands, and tumours in other areas of the body

4. Huh??!? Think about it this way: you are about to be stranded on a island and you have to decide what to bring. Do you bring: a. A hammock? b. A banana? c. A magazine? d. Or a functioning cell phone?

5. Bibliography "Hormones - Cortisol." Better Health Channel. Prince Henry's Institute, 12 Sept. 2013. Web. 12 Feb. 2014.. "Addison's Disease." Better Health Channel. Prince Henry's Institute, n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2014.. "Cushing's Syndrome." Better Health Channel. Prince Henry's Institute, 27 June 2013. Web. 12 Feb. 2014.. Maglione-Garves, Christine A., Len Kravitz, and Suzanne Schneider. "Cortisol Connection: Tips on Managing Stress and Weight." Stress Cortisol Connection. University of New Mexico, n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014..