Adrenal Gland
During surgery, as the left adrenal gland is removed, there a marked rise in blood pressure.
What our notes say
- During surgery, as the left adrenal gland is removed, there a marked rise in blood pressure. (Chemical pathology and Endocrine pathology — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- This is a deficiency of both cortisol and aldosterone due to adrenal gland destruction. (ENDOCRINE PATHOLOGY)
- These hormones are involved in a complex feedback system involving the endocrine glands (e.g., thyroid, adrenal glands, gonads) they regulate. (MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY II ESsays)
- The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys and consist of two main parts: the adrenal cortex (outer part) and the adrenal medulla (inner part). (Medical Physiology Pp2 Year 2)
- They may undergo the same changes as the adrenal glands proper. (Chemical pathology and Endocrine pathology — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- An abdominal CT scan shows a 3 cm mass involving the left adrenal gland. (CNS PATHOLOGY — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
Study material on Adrenal Gland
- LECTURE 6: Pancreatic and Adrenal Hormones
- Endocrine and Metabolic Pathology MCQs: Practice Questions
- Medical Physiology Pp2 Year 2
- Endocrine and Metabolic Pathology MCQs for Medical Students
- Amebae
- Lung Pathology — Must-Know
Images
Practice questions on Adrenal Gland
A patient with lung cancer has adrenal glands nearly obliterated by metastases on CT but shows no clinical signs of adrenal insufficiency. This is explained by
- Adrenal metastases replacing medullary tissue first and entirely sparing cortical function
- Compensatory contralateral adrenal hypertrophy maintaining sufficient cortisol output
- Residual islands of cortical cells being sufficient to maintain adequate adrenal function
- Ectopic cortisol production from the lung tumour masking clinical adrenal insufficiency
Answer: C. Even when adrenal glands are nearly obliterated by metastatic tumour, residual islands of cortical cells persist and produce sufficient cortisol to prevent clinical Addison disease. ---
Which of the following statements is true regarding the adrenal glands? ---
- The zona glomerulosa primarily produces glucocorticoids
- 17α-hydroxylase is found in the zona fasciculata
- There is negative feedback from androgens on ACTH
- The zona fasciculata produces active androgens
- Zona glomerulosa makes aldosterone; zona reticularis makes androgens. ACTH feedback is from cortisol, not androgens.
Answer: B.
Classical Endocrine glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal gland ---
- Have ducts
- Are under-regulated
- Produce many different products
- Use the product locally
Answer: A.