A patient who excretes large quantity of sodium in urine has

Options

A. Diseased adrenal medulla
B. Diseased adrenal cortex
C. Diseased pancreas
D. Diseased thymus

Answer

To solve the question regarding a patient who excretes a large quantity of sodium in urine, we need to analyze the role of hormones in sodium regulation and identify the correct gland associated with this process.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Sodium Regulation**: The regulation of sodium levels in the body is primarily controlled by hormones. The main hormone responsible for sodium reabsorption is aldosterone, which is a type of mineralocorticoid.

**Hint**: Think about which hormones are involved in sodium regulation in the body.

2. **Source of Aldosterone**: Aldosterone is secreted by the adrenal cortex, which is the outer part of the adrenal glands located on top of the kidneys.

**Hint**: Recall the location and function of the adrenal glands.

3. **Impact of Aldosterone Deficiency**: If a patient is excreting a large quantity of sodium in their urine, it suggests that there is a problem with sodium reabsorption. This is typically due to insufficient aldosterone production, which can occur if the adrenal cortex is diseased.

**Hint**: Consider what happens when aldosterone levels are low.

4. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Diseased Adrenal Medulla**: This part of the adrenal gland produces hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are not involved in sodium regulation. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
- **Diseased Adrenal Cortex**: Since aldosterone is produced here and is responsible for sodium reabsorption, a disease in this area would lead to excessive sodium loss in urine. This option is likely correct.
- **Diseased Pancreas**: The pancreas is involved in glucose metabolism and does not regulate sodium levels, making this option incorrect.
- **Diseased Thymus**: The thymus is related to the immune system and does not play a role in sodium regulation, so this option is also incorrect.

5. **Conclusion**: The correct answer is that a patient who excretes a large quantity of sodium in urine likely has a diseased adrenal cortex, as this is where aldosterone is produced.

**Final Answer**: Diseased adrenal cortex.