Master Adrenal Gland (Advanced) with Picmonic for Medicine

The adrenal cortex runs along the outer edge of the adrenal gland and affects the stress response through production of a variety of hormones. The cortex can be broken into three layers, the zona glomerulosa, the zona fasciculata, and the zona reticularis.

The outermost layer of the adrenal cortex is called the zona glomerulosa. Here, aldosterone is produced.

Aldosterone is a steroid hormone that affects water and salt regulation in the body. It increases sodium ion and water reabsorption in the kidneys.

The zona fasciculata is situated between the glomerulosa and reticularis, and is responsible for synthesizing glucocorticoids. Cortisol accounts for the majority of all glucocorticoid activity and is therefore most important clinically.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone that binds to the glucocorticoid receptor. It is the main hormone involved in the regulation of glucose metabolism and the stress-response mechanism.

The zona reticularis is the innermost layer of the adrenal cortex. The cells within this layer produce androgens, such as androstenedione, which is a precursor to testosterone.

The zona reticularis produces male cortical sex hormones that affect the development of male secondary sexual characteristics in males. These cortical sex hormones are also present in females, and examples include dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), along with androstenedione (a precursor to testosterone).

The adrenal medulla is located in the center of the adrenal gland and is connected to the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system.

The cells of the adrenal medulla are called chromaffin cells, and are derived from neural crest cell origin. These cells are innervated by the splanchnic nerve and secrete norepinephrine and epinephrine into the bloodstream.

Norepinephrine is a stress hormone that affects the amygdala, impacting attention and responses. Epinephrine is a hormone and neurotransmitter that has many functions including regulating metabolism, heart rate, vasodilation and vasoconstriction. These catecholamines are secreted by the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla, affecting the "fight or flight" response of the sympathetic nervous system.