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Related Concept Videos

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.
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...
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...
Adrenal Gland Disorders01:27

Adrenal Gland Disorders

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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...
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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...

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Isolation, Fixation, and Immunofluorescence Imaging of Mouse Adrenal Glands
08:37

Isolation, Fixation, and Immunofluorescence Imaging of Mouse Adrenal Glands

Published on: October 2, 2018

The human adrenal cortex: ultrastructure and base-line morphometric data.

A S Belloni1, G Mazzocchi, F Mantero

  • 1Department of Anatomy, University of Padua, Italy.

Journal of Submicroscopic Cytology
|October 1, 1987
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study details the human adult female adrenal cortex structure. Key differences in cell morphology and organelle distribution were observed across the zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cell Biology
  • Histology

Background:

  • The adrenal cortex is crucial for hormone production, with distinct zones (glomerulosa, fasciculata, reticularis) performing specialized functions.
  • Understanding the ultrastructural morphology of these zones is key to comprehending adrenal physiology and pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and describe the detailed ultrastructure of the human adult female adrenal cortex.
  • To identify and compare morphological characteristics of cells within the zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis.

Main Methods:

  • Electron microscopy was employed to examine tissue samples.
  • Morphometric analysis was conducted to quantify cellular and organelle features.

Main Results:

  • Zona glomerulosa cells showed variations, with inner cells featuring tubulo-laminar cristae in mitochondria and abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER).
  • Zona fasciculata cells exhibited vesicular cristae, well-developed SER, lipid droplets, and increasing lipofuscin granules towards the inner part.
  • Zona reticularis cells shared features with zona fasciculata but were characterized by a significant increase in lipofuscin pigment granules.

Conclusions:

  • Distinct ultrastructural differences exist between the zones of the human adult female adrenal cortex.
  • The observed morphological variations, particularly in mitochondria, SER, and lipofuscin content, correlate with the functional zonation of the adrenal cortex.