pediatric emergency MCQ-No12

Question 12

Which of the following is TRUE regarding hormones produced in the adrenal glands?
A.Corticotropin releasing factor emanates from the pituitary and stimulates cortisol release
B.Cortisol is a potent hormone that increases glucose uptake into cells
C.Aldosterone is an important mineralocorticoid that increases sodium resorption and potassium excretion
D.Adrenally produced androgens are an important source of androgens in men
E.Adrenal insufficiency occurs primarily because of decreased epinephrine and norepinephrine production in the medulla

Answer & Comments
•C
Comments:
–Adrenal insufficiency is a deficiency produced by inadequate hormone production from the adrenal cortex, not the medulla.
–Adrenal medulla deficiency does not result in clinical disease.
–The following hormones are released from the adrenal gland:
•(a) aldosterone: increases sodium resorption and potassium excretion;
•(b) cortisol: maintains adequate glucose levels by decreasing glucoseuptake and facilitating gluconeogenesis;
•(c) androgens: important for certain sexual characteristics.
–Cortisol is released in response to pituitary release of adreno-cortico-tropic hormone (ACTH).
–ACTH is stimulated by corticotropin releasing factor from the hypo-thalamus.
–The male gonads are the most important source of androgens; adrenal production is trivial by comparison.