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Related Concept Videos

Adrenal Gland Disorders01:27

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction01:26

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
Hormones of the Adrenal Glands01:31

Hormones of the Adrenal Glands

Adrenal hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining the body's electrolyte balance and orchestrating responses to stress, showcasing the intricate functions of the adrenal cortex and medulla.
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...
Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands01:17

Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands

The adrenal or supra-renal glands, situated above the kidneys and aligned with the twelfth rib, are paired pyramid-shaped structures crucial for the body's stress response. During stress, these glands secrete hormones vital for adaptive physiological reactions.
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct regions...
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis01:37

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

The response to stress—be it physical or psychological, acute or chronic—involves activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is part of the neuroendocrine system because it involves both neuronal and hormonal communication. Its function is to regulate homeostatic systems—metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune—providing the necessary means to respond to a stressor.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
06:08

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling

Published on: September 15, 2017

Adrenal insufficiency.

Bandula Wijesiriwardene1, Deepthi C De Silva

  • 1Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila, Sri Lanka. bandulawije@lycos.com

The Ceylon Medical Journal
|November 21, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Adrenal insufficiency, a condition affecting the adrenal glands, can stem from primary adrenal disease or secondary issues with hypothalamic/pituitary regulation. This review covers its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Adrenal insufficiency arises from intrinsic adrenal gland pathology (primary) or impaired hypothalamic-pituitary control (secondary).
  • Understanding the distinct etiologies is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of adrenal insufficiency.
  • To discuss the various causes, clinical presentations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency.
  • Synthesis of information on pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic workup, and therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

  • Adrenal insufficiency presents with diverse clinical features depending on the underlying cause.

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Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions

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Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
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Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids

Published on: April 25, 2016

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Last Updated: Jul 10, 2026

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
06:08

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling

Published on: September 15, 2017

Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions
04:33

Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions

Published on: March 12, 2019

Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
08:02

Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids

Published on: April 25, 2016

  • Diagnosis involves biochemical testing and imaging, while treatment focuses on hormone replacement therapy.

    • Conclusions:

    • Adrenal insufficiency requires prompt recognition and management to prevent life-threatening complications.
    • Effective treatment strategies improve patient outcomes and quality of life.