
Pharmacologic agents that resemble the adrenal hormones in chemistry and action are essential in treating many conditions.ĪNATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE ADRENAL GLANDS In addition to the neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephrine, the corticosteroids secreted by the adrenal glands are vital to various physiological processes. The adrenal glands are an integral part of the endocrine system, secreting hormones that act throughout the body to regulate functions and promote homeostasis. List management strategies for the administration of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid therapy to avoid the development of adrenal disorders.


List the pharmacologic management of primary aldosteronism. List the pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management of patients with Cushing’s syndrome. Recognize the signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome and the result of too much cortisol. List the pharmacological treatment of patients with acute and chronic adrenal insufficiency. Recognize the signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. Identify the hormones produced by the adrenal glands.ĭescribe the functions of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids in the body. Produced or synthesized from within an organism.Ī steroid hormone that has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.Īn insufficient amount or impaired function of aldosterone.Īn excess amount of circulating cortisol.Īn insufficient amount of circulating cortisol.Ī steroid hormone that affects fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.Ī synthetic process that produces steroids (glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids).Īfter completing this chapter, you should be able to

The primary glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex.Ī hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body to a higher cortisol concentration than the body normally requires. KEY TERMS AND DEFINITIONS Addison diseaseĪ disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough steroid hormones.Ī benign (noncancerous) tumor of glandular origin.Ī term referring to a deficiency in the levels of adrenal hormones.Ī hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens.Ī hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates the balance of sodium, water, and potassium concentrations in the body.Īny of the male sex hormones that regulate the development and maintenance of male characteristics.Ī hormone released by the hypothalamus that regulates the release of ACTH from the pituitary gland.Īny of the steroid hormones made by the cortex of the adrenal gland.
