Glossary

21-hydroxylase:

An enzyme needed to produce cortisol and aldosterone.

21-hydroxylase deficiency:

The most common type of enzyme deficiency that results in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

ACTH:

Abreviation for adrenocorticotropic hormone. It activates cortisol production.

Aldosterone:

A hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, important in maintaining salt and water balance in the body.

Androgens:

A group of steroid hormones that cause masculinization.

Androstenedione:

A type of androgen produced by the adrenal glands which is partially transformed by the body into testosterone.

Angiotensin:

This compound activates production of aldosterone. Production of angiotensin is controlled by RENIN.

Cholesterol:

A precursor of all steroid hormones (androgens, estrogens, glucocorticoids).

Corpora:

The main part of the phallus (clitoris or penis).

Cortex:

The outer portion of an organ.

Cortisol:

A steroid secreted by the adrenal cortex, important for maintaining blood sugar levels, maintenance of body fluids and electrolytes, and protecting the body from stress.

Cortisone:

A steroid similar to cortisol.

Electrolytes:

Salts found in body fluids.

Glans:

The conical portion of the tip of the phallus (clitoris or penis).

Glucocorticoids:

Cortisol - like steroid hormones secreted from the adrenal cortex, important for many bodily functions including response to stress, maintenance of blood sugar levels, body fluids and electrolytes.

Glucocorticoid Therapy:

Replacement cortisol administered when the body is unable to produce adequate amounts.

Hormone:

A chemical secreted by a gland, into the blood which travels to all parts of the body.

Late-onset (Non Classical) CAH:

The mildest form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, charcterized by increased androgen production.

Medulla:

The middle portion of an organ.

Mineralocorticoids:

Aldosterone - like steroid hormones secreted from the adrenal cortex, important for maintenance of salt and water balance.

Phallus:

A penis. Whan a clitoris is enlarged, it is referred to as a phallus because it resembles a penis.

Pituitary Gland:

A gland located at the base of the brain that produces ACTH and several other protein hormones.

RENIN:

An enzyme produced by the kidneys, necessary for the production of angiotensin.

Salt-Losing CAH:

The most severe form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, characterized by decreased or absent production of cortisol and aldosterone and increased adrenal androgen production.

Simple-Virilizing CAH:

A moderately severe form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, characterized by increased adrenal androgen production and normal or close to normal cortisol production.

Steroid:

A class of hormones produced from the precursor cholesterol which share certain structural characteristics.

Stress:

The body's reaction to mental or physical challenges.

Testosterone:

A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands and testes or converted from androstenedione, which can exert masculinizing effects.