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

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about a patient who excretes a large quantity of sodium in urine. This condition suggests an issue with sodium reabsorption in the kidneys.

2. **Identifying Relevant Hormones**: The hormones responsible for sodium reabsorption in the kidneys are primarily aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid) and cortisol (a glucocorticoid). Both of these hormones are produced by the adrenal cortex.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Diseased Adrenal Medulla**: This part of the adrenal gland produces hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are not directly involved in sodium reabsorption. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
- **Diseased Adrenal Cortex**: Since the adrenal cortex produces aldosterone and cortisol, a disease in this area would lead to decreased production of these hormones, resulting in poor sodium reabsorption and increased sodium excretion in urine. This option is likely correct.
- **Diseased Pancreas**: The pancreas primarily produces insulin, which regulates blood glucose levels, not sodium. Thus, this option is incorrect.
- **Diseased Thymus**: The thymus produces thymosin, which is involved in immune function, not sodium regulation. Hence, this option is also incorrect.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the correct answer is that the patient has a diseased adrenal cortex, leading to excessive sodium excretion in urine due to insufficient aldosterone and cortisol production.

**Final Answer**: Diseased adrenal cortex.

---