Question

Describe in brief, an account of disorders of the adrenal gland.

Answer 1

Disorders of adrenal cortical secretions are caused due to hyposecretion and hypersecretion of adrenal corticoid hormones.

1. Addison’s disease: It is caused due to Hyposecretion of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids (hormone secreted adrenal cortex). It is characterized by low blood sugar, low Na⁺, and high K⁺ concentration in plasma increased loss of Na⁺ and water in urine. It leads to weight loss, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
2. Cushing’s disease: It is caused due to Hypersecretion of glucocorticoids (a hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex). It leads to high blood sugar levels, excretion of glucose in the urine, rise in Na⁺ level in the blood, high blood pressure, obesity, and wasting of limb muscles.