The adrenal glands work with the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. The hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland to release corticotropin hormones, which then stimulate the adrenal glands to release corticosteroid hormones. Postprandial refers to after eating a meal, as opposed to preprandial which is before a meal. Postprandial is used to describe blood sugar levels after eating and various medical conditions involving changes in blood sugar, blood pressure, or other physiological responses that occur after consuming a meal.

1. CORTICOTROPIN & POSTPRANDIAL PRESENTATION By: Frank Lemond Biology 120 7/17/10

2. CORTICOTROPIN What = corticotropin? The adrenal glands, aka the suprarenal glands, are small triangular glands located on top of each kidney. An adrenal gland has 2 parts: the outer region = known as the adrenal cortex & the inner region = called the adrenal medulla. Both parts of the adrenal glands, the cortex & medulla, perform different jobs.

3. CORTICOTROPIN (continued) The adrenal glands work with the pituitary gland & the hypothalamus in the following ways: 1. the hypothalamus makes corticotropin-releasing hormones, which stimulate the pituitary gland. 2. the pituitary gland, in turn, makes corticotropin hormones, which stimulate the adrenal glands to make corticosteroid hormones.

4. II. POSTPRANDIAL POSTPRANDIAL literally means after eating a meal. This = opposed to preprandial (before a meal). This word = sometimes used in relationship to blood sugar (glucose) levels, usually measured 2 hours before & after eating in a postprandial sugar test. The American Diabetes Assn. recommends a postprandial sugar level under 180 mg/dl & a preprandial plasma sugar between 90-130 mg/dl. This = not, however, the only context in which this word = used.

5. II. POSTPRANDIAL (continued) Postprandial hyperglycemia = high blood sugar after a meal. It can be checked in a postprandial sugar test. Postprandial dip = a mild decrease in blood sugar after eating a large meal, possibly leading to sleepiness. Postprandial hypotension = a drastic decline in blood pressure which occurs after eating.

6. II. POSTPRANDIAL(continued) Postprandial regurgitation = a unique symptom of rumination syndrome. Postprandial thermogenesis = heat production due to metabolism after a meal, temporarily increasing the basal metabolic rate.