Name the male sex hormone secreted by adrenal gland?

MNS 2015

Applied Physiology

Medium

Appeared in: MNS 2015

Explanation

The adrenal cortex secretes a class of male sex hormones collectively referred to as androgens.
These hormones are produced in the innermost layer of the adrenal cortex, the zona reticularis.
The main androgens secreted by the adrenal gland are dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione, which are considered weak androgens.
These weak androgens serve as precursors that can be converted into more potent androgens like testosterone in other parts of the body.

Option A: Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone, not a male hormone secreted by the adrenal gland.
Option B: While testosterone is the principal male sex hormone, its primary site of production is the testes, not the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands secrete only negligible amounts.
Option C: Progesterone is a female sex hormone primarily involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Endocrine Function of the Adrenal Gland as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding adrenal androgen production is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions like Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), where an enzyme defect leads to decreased cortisol production and increased androgen production, causing virilization in females.
Nurses may encounter patients with Adrenogenital syndrome, where tumors of the adrenal cortex secrete excessive androgens, leading to masculinizing effects in females.
What if a female patient presents with hirsutism (male-pattern hair growth) and a deepening voice? A nurse should recognize these signs of virilization and anticipate that the healthcare provider will order tests to assess androgen levels, which could be elevated due to an adrenal or ovarian issue.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key components of the question: the organ ('adrenal gland') and the type of hormone ('male sex hormone').
Recall the primary endocrine glands and the hormones they secrete. The adrenal gland has a cortex and a medulla, each producing different hormones.
Consider the options provided. Eliminate the hormones that are primarily female sex hormones (Estrogen and Progesterone).
You are left with Testosterone and Androgen. Differentiate between the two in the context of the adrenal gland.
Remember that 'Androgen' is the collective term for all male sex hormones. While testosterone is the most well-known androgen, the adrenal gland's main contribution is a group of weaker androgens (like DHEA).
Therefore, 'Androgen' is the more accurate and comprehensive answer for the class of male sex hormones secreted by the adrenal gland.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Endocrine Function of the Adrenal Gland
Stem keywords: male sex hormone, adrenal gland
Lead-in keywords: Name
Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.
Negative lead-in flag: false

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