Over secretion of the adrenal medulla is known as what?

Over secretion of the adrenal medulla is known as what?

• A. Pheochromocytoma
• B. Conn's disease
• C. Cushing's syndrome
• D. Myxedema

Answer: (A)

Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal medulla that results in the excessive production of catecholamines, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. This overproduction leads to symptoms such as hypertension, palpitations, sweating, and anxiety due to the overstimulation of the fight-or-flight response. The adrenal medulla is responsible for producing these hormones, so when a tumor causes over secretion, it manifests the classic symptoms associated with this condition. The other conditions listed, such as Conn's disease and Cushing's syndrome, involve different pathophysiological mechanisms. Conn's disease primarily relates to hyperaldosteronism and its effects on sodium and potassium balance, while Cushing's syndrome is characterized by excess cortisol production. Myxedema relates to severe hypothyroidism rather than adrenal function. Recognizing the specific hormonal pathways and the resulting clinical effects helps in understanding why pheochromocytoma is the correct identification of adrenal medulla over secretion.

Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal medulla that results in the excessive production of catecholamines, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. This overproduction leads to symptoms such as hypertension, palpitations, sweating, and anxiety due to the overstimulation of the fight-or-flight response. The adrenal medulla is responsible for producing these hormones, so when a tumor causes over secretion, it manifests the classic symptoms associated with this condition.

The other conditions listed, such as Conn's disease and Cushing's syndrome, involve different pathophysiological mechanisms. Conn's disease primarily relates to hyperaldosteronism and its effects on sodium and potassium balance, while Cushing's syndrome is characterized by excess cortisol production. Myxedema relates to severe hypothyroidism rather than adrenal function. Recognizing the specific hormonal pathways and the resulting clinical effects helps in understanding why pheochromocytoma is the correct identification of adrenal medulla over secretion.