Bøger af Leroy Finch

The adrenal cortex is the outer region of the adrenal gland. It is also the largest part of an adrenal gland. The specific zones of adrenal cortex synthesize different hormones that control sex (androgens, estrogens), salt balance in the blood (aldosterone) and sugar balance (cortisol). The excess or deficient secretion of each type of adrenal hormone causes severe disorders that include hypercortisolism, adrenal insufficiency, hyperaldosteronism, hypoaldosteronism, and androgen excess. Hypercortisolismm, also known as Addison's disease, is a disorder marked by inadequate production of the steroid hormones cortisol and aldosterone that causes adrenal inefficiency. The signs and symptoms of this disease are abdominal pain and gastrointestinal abnormalities, weakness, weight loss, and darkening of skin in certain areas. Cushing syndrome is caused due to excessive release of cortisol hormone in the body. This syndrome leads to weight gain and fatty tissue deposits, slow healing of cuts, insect bites and infections, acne, etc. This book explores all the important aspects of adrenal cortex disorders in the present day scenario. The readers would gain knowledge that would broaden their perspective about these disorders.

The term adrenal cortex refers to the outer region and largest part of an adrenal gland. Adrenal cortex is divided into three distinct layers, namely, zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculate, and zona reticularis. The responsibility of each layer is to produce specific hormones. It is also the secondary site for the synthesis of androgens. Zona glomerulosa is the outermost layer of the adrenal cortex. This layer is the main site for the synthesis of aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid. The second zone, zona fasciculata is located between zona glomerulosa and zona reticularis. The basic function of this zone is to produce and secrete glucocorticoids, such as 11-deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, and cortisol. The major hormone that stimulates cortisol secretion in humans is the ACTH that is released from the anterior pituitary. The third zone, zona reticularis is the innermost layer that produces androgens, namely, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S), and androstenedione (the precursor to testosterone) in humans. This book provides significant information on the pathology and biology of adrenal cortex. It will prove to be immensely beneficial to students and researchers in the field of endocrinology.