No matter what kind of origin, the clinical picture is always termed “Cushing’s disease”. The disease is either caused by a tumour or the pathological growth of both adrenal gland systems. Following the most common diseases are listed and shortly explained:Ĭushing’s disease is characterised by an excessive production of cortisol. In general diseases associated with the adrenal gland are either classified into a hyper- or hypofunction.
Both secreted hormones will quickly increase heart activity in terms of increasing the blood pressure or heart rate. Activated A-cells start producing adrenalin, whereas the N- cells produce noradrenalin. As soon as there is a higher stress level in our body leading to an increased level of activity, those 2 cell types get activated. Within the adrenal medulla, the second adrenal gland system, there are modified nerve cells, called A- and N-cells. These are then converted to testosterone in the liver. In the inner layer called Zona Reticularis androgens such as dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA, and androstenedione are produced. Especially for medical treatments it is well known in its role as a suppressor of the immune system and therefore for its anti-inflammatory effect. It also takes part in bone formation and fat- and protein metabolism. Cortisol is an essential hormone as it influences the metabolism by increasing the glucose concentration in our blood circulation. The Zona Fasciculata, situated between Zona Reticularis and Glomerulosa, mainly produces glucocorticoids such as cortisol and cortisone. Therefore aldosterone has a big influence on regulating the blood pressure and electrolyte balance. The more water being resorbed, the more increases the blood volume. This hormone is obligatory to resorb water back from our kidney, so that it is not lost with the urine.
The outer layer, Zona Glomerulosa, produces mineral corticoids, especially aldosterone. The adrenal cortex mainly produces steroid hormones, which are produced in the 3 layers. The adrenal gland can be divided into two parts, an outer part called adrenal cortex, which itself can be subdivided into 3 layers ( Zona Fasciculata, Zona Reticularis and Zona Glomerulosa) and an inner part called adrenal medulla.Īll in all there are two different gland systems producing different kinds of hormones. To understand this process it is necessary to take a closer look at the anatomical structure of the adrenal glands. The term “endocrine” describes specific gland cells, which secrete their products, hormones, into the blood circulation.
This is the reason for the Latin name “supra”, meaning “over” and “renal”, meaning “kidney”.
Glandula Suprarenalis, are endocrine glands which are located above our kidneys, separated by a thin fat layer.
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