A patient is transferred from the Emergency Department (ED) to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). As part of the nursing assessment, it's crucial to understand the components of the cranial cavity that contribute to ICP. What are the components of the cranial cavity?

A. Secretions include amylase: Amylase is a digestive enzyme secreted by the pancreas that helps break down carbohydrates. Elevated serum amylase is a common diagnostic marker in acute pancreatitis.

B. Contains proteolytic enzymes that break down dietary proteins: The pancreas produces proteolytic enzymes like trypsin and chymotrypsin, which digest proteins in the small intestine under normal conditions.

C. Pancreatic enzymes auto-digest pancreatic cells and tissue: In acute pancreatitis, premature activation of these enzymes inside the pancreas leads to self-digestion and inflammation of pancreatic tissue.

D. A reversible inflammatory process: Acute pancreatitis is typically reversible with prompt treatment, unlike chronic pancreatitis which involves permanent structural damage and functional loss.

E. Cardinal manifestation is abdominal pain – could be midabdominal, could be epigastric: Severe abdominal pain is the hallmark symptom, commonly located in the epigastric or midabdominal region and may radiate to the back.

A. Androgens (sex hormones): These are produced in the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex. They contribute to the development of secondary sex characteristics and have a minor role compared to gonadal hormones.

B. Glucocorticoids (cortisol): Cortisol is synthesized in the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex. It regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the stress response, making it a key adrenal cortical hormone.

C. Epinephrine: This hormone is produced by the adrenal medulla, not the cortex. It plays a major role in the fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate and blood glucose levels during stress.

D. Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone): Aldosterone is produced in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. It is essential for sodium retention, potassium excretion, and blood pressure regulation.