Glossary for Addison's Disease
Adrenal glands - (ad-re-nal glands)
A pair of hormone-secreting glands, each located above a kidney. They secrete cortisol, aldosterone and the sex hormones.
Adrenocortical hypofunction - (ad-re-no-cor-ti-cal hypofunction)
Reduced functioning of the cortex (outer layer) of the adrenal gland; results in decreased secretion of the hormones
Adrenocorticotropic hormone - (ad-re-no-cor-ti-co-tro-phic hormone )
A hormone produced by the Pituitary gland. ACTH stimulates the Adrenal gland to secrete the hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, etc.
Aldosterone - (al-do-ste-rone)
A hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that regulates salt, potassium and water in the body
Cortisol - (cor-ti-sol)
A hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that regulates carbohydrate and protein metabolism. It controls the inflammatory response initiated by the immune system besides having a lot of other essential functions.