Final answer:
Primary adrenal insufficiency is caused by damage to the adrenal glands, while secondary is due to a deficiency of ACTH from the pituitary. Addison's disease is the clinical presentation of this condition, marked by symptoms such as low blood pressure and loss of sodium and chloride.
Step-by-step explanation:
The location of the error in primary adrenal insufficiency is the adrenal cortex itself, whereas in secondary adrenal insufficiency, the defect lies in the pituitary gland which fails to secrete adequate amounts of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). Addison's disease represents the clinical syndrome associated with adrenal insufficiency, characterized by excessive sodium and chloride loss, low blood pressure, hypoglycemia, among other symptoms. Direct answer in two lines: Primary adrenal insufficiency originates in the adrenal glands, while secondary originates in the pituitary gland.
In primary adrenal insufficiency, the adrenal glands themselves are damaged due to causes such as autoimmune disease, infections, or hemorrhage, leading to insufficient production of cortisol and often aldosterone. This results in signs and symptoms including chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, and potentially life-threatening conditions like acute adrenal crisis. In contrast, secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs when the pituitary gland does not release enough ACTH to stimulate cortisol production by the adrenal glands. This can result from tumors, surgery, or radiation therapy affecting the pituitary. It’s important to differentiate between the two types because they have different causes, treatments, and implications for patient management.