Adrenal glands are located on top of both kidneys. Adrenal glands produce hormones that help regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, response to stress and other essential functions.
An adrenal gland is made of two main parts:
- The adrenal cortex is the outer region and also the largest part of an adrenal gland.
- The adrenal medulla is located inside the adrenal cortex in the center of an adrenal gland.
Hormones of the Adrenal Glands
Cortisol
- Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by adrenal cortex.
- It helps control the body’s use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates; suppresses inflammation; regulates blood pressure; increases blood sugar; and can also decrease bone formation.
- This hormone also controls the sleep/wake cycle. It is released during times of stress to help your body get an energy boost and better handle an emergency situation.
Aldosterone
This mineralocorticoid hormone plays a central role in regulating blood pressure and certain electrolytes (sodium and potassium).
DHEA and Androgenic Steroids
They are precursor hormones that are converted in the ovaries into female hormones (estrogens) and in the testes into male hormones (androgens).
Epinephrine (Adrenaline) and Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)
- The adrenal medulla, the inner part of an adrenal gland, controls hormones that initiate the flight or fight response. The main hormones secreted by the adrenal medulla include epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline), which have similar functions.
- These hormones are capable of increasing the heart rate and force of heart contractions, increasing blood flow to the muscles and brain, relaxing airway smooth muscles, and assisting in glucose (sugar) metabolism.
- They also control the squeezing of the blood vessels (vasoconstriction), helping maintain blood pressure and increasing it in response to stress.
- Are often activated in physically and emotionally stressful situations when your body needs additional resources and energy to endure unusual strain.
~Praveen Jada
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