Medical Terminology Simplified

9–56 Hormones produced by the adrenal medulla that increase blood pressure

are __________ and __________.

9–57 The main glucocorticoid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex is

__________.

Pancreas (Islets of Langerhans)

9–58 The (5) pancreasis located posterior to the stomach. Hormone-producing

cells of the pancreas are called islets of Langerhans. The islets produce two distinct

hormones: alpha cells, which produce glucagons, and beta cells, which produce in-

sulin. Both hormones play an important role in the proper metabolism of sugars and

starches in the body. Label the pancreas in Figure 9–3.

Frame 9–47to Frame 9–58

Endocrine System • CHAPTER 9 411

TABLE 9-4 ADRENAL HORMONES

This table identifies adrenal hormones, their target organs and functions, and associated disorders.

Hormone Target Organ and Functions Disorders
Adrenal Cortex Hormones

Glucocorticoids
(mainly cortisol)

Mineralocorticoids
(mainly aldosterone)

Sex hormones (any
of the androgens,
estrogens, or related
steroid hormones)
produced by the
ovaries, testes, and
adrenal cortices

Adrenal Medullary Hormones

Epinephrine
(adrenaline) and
norepinephrine

• Body cells—promote gluconeogenesis;
  regulate metabolism of carbohydrates,
  proteins, and fats; help depress
  inflammatory and immune responses


• Kidneys—increase blood levels of
  sodium and decrease blood levels of
  potassium in the kidneys


• In females, possibly responsible for
  female libido and source of estrogen
  after menopause (otherwise, effects in
  adults are insignificant)


• Sympathetic nervous system target
  organs—hormone effects mimic
  sympathetic nervous system activation
  (sympathomimetic), increase metabolic
  rate and heart rate, and raise blood pres-
  sure by promoting vasoconstriction
  
  
  • Hyposecretion causes Addison disease.
  
  
  • Hypersecretion causes Cushing syndrome.
    (See Fig. 9–6.)
  
  
  • Hyposecretion causes Addison disease.
  
  
  • Hypersecretion causes aldosteronism.
  
  
  • Hypersecretion of adrenal androgen in
    females leads to virilism (development of male
    characteristics).
  
  
  • Hypersecretion of adrenal estrogen and prog-
    estin secretion in males leads to feminization
    (development of feminine characteristics).
  
  
  • Hyposecretion has no known significant effects.
  
  
  • Hyposecretion has no known significant effects.
  
  
  • Hypersecretion causes prolonged “fight-or-flight”
    reaction and hypertension.