Adrenal Glands

• Adrenal Glands - Location

  2 small glands located on top of each kidney + r made up of two distinct parts surrounded by a capsule
• Adrenal Cortex - Outer Region

  produces hormones that r vital to life

  = cortisol + aldosterone
• Adrenal Medulla - Inner Region

  produces non-essential hormones

  = adrenaline = helps the body react to stress
• Production of Hormones by the Adrenal Cortex

  production of hormones by the adrenal cortex = controlled by hormones released from the pituitary gland

  there r 3 main types of hormones produced by the adrenal cortex:

  glucocorticoids

  mineralocorticoids

  androgens
• Glucocorticoids- Cortisol

  regulate metabolism by controlling how the body converts fats, proteins + carbs to energy

  also helps regulate bp + cardiovascular function in response to stress
• Glucocorticoid - Corticosterone

  works w cortisol to regulate immune response + suppress inflammatory reactions

  release of this hormone = controlled by hypothalumus
• Mineralocorticoids - Aldosterone

  help control bp by maintaining the balance between salt + water concs in the blood + body fluids

  its release = mediated by signals triggered by kidney
• Androgens

  small amounts of male + female sex hormones r released

  impact = relatively small compared w the larger amounts of hormones like oestrogen + testosterone but r still important esp in women after menopause
• Production of Hormones by the Adrenal Medulla

  hormones of the adrenal medulla r released when the sympathetic nervous system = stimulated

  = occurs when the body is stressed
• Adrenal Medulla - Adrenaline

  increases heart rate, sending blood quickly to the muscles + brain

  also rapidly raises blood glucose conc levels by converting glycogen to glucose in the liver
• Adrenal Medulla - Noradrenaline


  works w adrenaline in response to stress, producing effects like increased heart rate, widening of air passages in lungs + narrowing of blood vessels in non-essential organs = higher bp