Question

Explain the diseases occurring in:

Adrenal

Answer 1

The adrenal glands secrete mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, sex corticoids and adrenaline. Abnormal secretion of these hormones causes the following diseases:

1. Addison’s disease: This disease is caused by the hyposecretion of mineralocorticoids from the adrenal cortex. The symptoms include weight loss, weakness, increased susceptibility to infections, sensitivity to heat and cold, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
2. Cushing’s syndrome: This condition is caused by the hypersecretion of glucocorticoids, especially cortisol. The symptoms include a red moon-shaped face, obesity, osteoporosis, weakness, increased blood glucose level and high blood pressure.
3. Aldosteronism or Conn’s syndrome: This disease is caused by the overproduction of aldosterone. It causes excessive retention of sodium and loss of potassium in the blood. Consequently, the blood volume and blood pressure increase.
4. Adrenal virilism: This condition is caused by the hypersecretion of sex corticoids, especially in females. It results in the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, such as the growth of a beard and moustache and a deep or hoarse voice.