AP Biology Questions on the Adrenal Cortex and Medulla

📚 Quick Study Guide

🔬 Adrenal Glands: Located atop the kidneys, these glands produce hormones that help regulate metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, and response to stress. 🧠 Adrenal Cortex: The outer region of the adrenal gland, producing corticosteroids.
• 🌊 Mineralocorticoids (e.g., Aldosterone): Regulate sodium and potassium balance in the blood. Key player in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).
• 🔥 Glucocorticoids (e.g., Cortisol): Influence glucose metabolism and the immune response. Increases blood sugar levels during stress.
• 💪 Androgens: Contribute to the development of secondary sex characteristics.
🩸 Adrenal Medulla: The inner region of the adrenal gland, part of the sympathetic nervous system.
• 🚀 Catecholamines (e.g., Epinephrine and Norepinephrine): Mediate the “fight-or-flight” response. Increase heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
📈 Regulation: Hormone secretion is regulated by feedback loops involving the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Example: the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulates cortisol secretion.

🧪 Practice Quiz

1. Which hormone is primarily responsible for regulating sodium reabsorption in the kidneys?
   1. A) Cortisol
   2. B) Aldosterone
   3. C) Epinephrine
   4. D) Androgen
2. Which of the following is NOT a primary function of cortisol?
   1. A) Increasing blood glucose levels
   2. B) Suppressing the immune system
   3. C) Increasing heart rate
   4. D) Influencing glucose metabolism
3. Epinephrine is secreted by which part of the adrenal gland?
   1. A) Adrenal cortex
   2. B) Adrenal medulla
   3. C) Renal cortex
   4. D) Renal medulla
4. What is the primary effect of epinephrine release?
   1. A) Decreased heart rate
   2. B) Increased blood glucose levels
   3. C) Decreased blood pressure
   4. D) Increased sodium retention
5. Which class of hormones includes cortisol?
   1. A) Mineralocorticoids
   2. B) Glucocorticoids
   3. C) Catecholamines
   4. D) Androgens
6. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is most directly associated with the regulation of:
   1. A) Blood glucose levels
   2. B) Blood pressure
   3. C) Heart rate
   4. D) Immune response
7. Which of the following hormones is involved in the “fight-or-flight” response?
   1. A) Aldosterone
   2. B) Cortisol
   3. C) Epinephrine
   4. D) Androgen