| paraganglioma, extra-adrenal | A relatively rare, usually benign neoplasm originating in the chemoreceptor tissue of the carotid body, glomus jugulare, and aortic bodies. It consists histologically of rounded or ovoid hyperchromatic cells that tend to be grouped in an alveolus-like pattern within a scant to moderate amount of fibrous stroma and a few large thin-walled vascular channels. They are uncommon before the age of 20, with a female predominance in some series. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| medulla of adrenal gland | It is composed principally of anastomosing cords of cells in the core of the gland; the cells display a chromaffin reaction because of the presence of epinephrine and norepinephrine in their granules. Synonym: medulla glandulae suprarenalis, medulla of adrenal gland. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pituitary-adrenal system | The interactions between the anterior pituitary and adrenal glands, in which corticotropin (acth) stimulates the adrenal cortex and adrenal cortical hormones suppress the production of corticotropin by the anterior pituitary. (12 Dec 1998) |
| congenital adrenal hyperplasia | <endocrinology> A genetic disorder present at birth characterised by a deficiency of the hormones aldosterone and cortisol and an overproduction of male sex hormones (androgens). In males this may manifest as enlarged penis, small testes and early development of masculine characteristics. In females features include ambiguous genitalia, failure to menstruate, deep voice and excessive hair. Origin: Gr. Plassein = to form (27 Sep 1997) |
| congenital virilizing adrenal hyperplasia | A series of inherited inborn errors of metabolism with hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex and overproduction of virilizing hormones. Most common forms are due to partial or complete 21-hydroxylase deficiency, leading to increased ACTH production by the pituitary, stimulating adrenal growth and function. Severe form is characterised by salt-losing state. (05 Mar 2000) |
| foetal adrenal cortex | An extensive area of the adrenal gland present in primates during foetal life and for a short period after birth; located between the definitive cortex and the medulla, it contains large steroid-secreting cells arranged in a reticular pattern; involution of this zone in humans is largely completed by three months after birth. Synonym: androgenic zone, foetal reticularis, foetal zone, provisional cortex. (05 Mar 2000) |