PCOL 838 DISORDERS OF THE
ADRENAL CORTEX EXAM 2025
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What are the histologic layers of the adrenal cortex, and what steroids does each secrete? -
ANS Zona glomerulosa (outer): aldosterone (mineralocorticoid)
Zona fasciculata (middle): cortisol (glucocorticoid)
Zona reticularis (inner): DHEA (androgen)
Medulla: catecholamines (Epi,NE)
What triggers glucocorticoid secretion? - ANS Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from
hypothalamus stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from anterior
lobe of pituitary gland (1).
1 @COPYRIGHT THESTAR 2025/2026
, ACTH stimulation of the adrenal gland is responsible for the production cortisol (2).
CRH, ACTH # Cortisol, Androgen > Aldosterone
What causes the negative feedback control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis? -
ANS Feedback mechanism: CRH and ACTH production is halted by the presence of elevated
cortisol levels in a negative feedbackloop (3).
Describe the diurnal rhythm of ACTH secretion, and name the conditions in which it is altered. -
ANS Levels of ACTH and glucocorticoidrises in the morning before awakening
Chronic stress may lead to dysregulation of the feedback loop leading to a failure of the
circadian machinery with possible sleep and metabolic disturbances (adrenal insufficiency).
Alterations in its rhythmicity are frequently found in Cushing's syndrome, mood disorders,
Alzheimer's disease, and metabolic syndrome
2 @COPYRIGHT THESTAR 2025/2026
ADRENAL CORTEX EXAM 2025
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What are the histologic layers of the adrenal cortex, and what steroids does each secrete? -
ANS Zona glomerulosa (outer): aldosterone (mineralocorticoid)
Zona fasciculata (middle): cortisol (glucocorticoid)
Zona reticularis (inner): DHEA (androgen)
Medulla: catecholamines (Epi,NE)
What triggers glucocorticoid secretion? - ANS Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from
hypothalamus stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from anterior
lobe of pituitary gland (1).
1 @COPYRIGHT THESTAR 2025/2026
, ACTH stimulation of the adrenal gland is responsible for the production cortisol (2).
CRH, ACTH # Cortisol, Androgen > Aldosterone
What causes the negative feedback control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis? -
ANS Feedback mechanism: CRH and ACTH production is halted by the presence of elevated
cortisol levels in a negative feedbackloop (3).
Describe the diurnal rhythm of ACTH secretion, and name the conditions in which it is altered. -
ANS Levels of ACTH and glucocorticoidrises in the morning before awakening
Chronic stress may lead to dysregulation of the feedback loop leading to a failure of the
circadian machinery with possible sleep and metabolic disturbances (adrenal insufficiency).
Alterations in its rhythmicity are frequently found in Cushing's syndrome, mood disorders,
Alzheimer's disease, and metabolic syndrome
2 @COPYRIGHT THESTAR 2025/2026
