Adrenal glands (Adrenal Glands, Suprarenal Glands)

The adrenal glands (Adrenal Glands, Suprarenal Glands) are paired endocrine glands that are located above the upper poles of the kidneys. They look like triangles and consist of two parts: the medulla and the cortex. In this article we will look at the structure and function of the adrenal glands in more detail.

The adrenal medulla consists mainly of chromaffin tissue, which, under the influence of the sympathetic nervous system, produces hormones such as adrenaline and norepinephrine. These hormones play an important role in regulating the cardiovascular system, respiration, metabolism and other physiological processes. Adrenaline and norepinephrine increase heart rate, increase blood pressure, dilate bronchi and improve oxygen supply to the body.

The adrenal cortex is a yellowish tissue that surrounds the medulla. The adrenal cortex is formed during fetal development from the mesoderm and, under the influence of hormones produced by the pituitary gland (especially the hormone ACTH), produces three types of corticosteroid hormones.

The first type of corticosteroid hormones are glucocorticoids, including cortisol, which affect the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Cortisol increases blood glucose levels, which can be helpful in situations of stress or illness.

The second type of corticosteroid hormones are mineralocorticoids, including aldosterone, which regulate electrolyte levels in the body. Aldosterone increases sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys, which helps maintain normal electrolyte levels in the body.

The third type of corticosteroid hormones are sex hormones, including estrogens and androgens. They play an important role in the development and functioning of the genital organs.

Thus, the adrenal glands perform many important functions in the body, including the regulation of the cardiovascular system, respiration, metabolism, electrolytes and gonads. They also produce hormones that help the body adapt to stress and illness. Impaired adrenal function can lead to various diseases, such as adrenal hyperplasia, hypercortisolism, or Conn's disease. If you suspect adrenal dysfunction, you should contact an endocrinologist for diagnosis and treatment.

In conclusion, the adrenal glands are important endocrine glands that perform many functions in the body. Their cortex produces hormones that regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates, electrolytes and gonads, and the medulla produces adrenaline and norepinephrine, which play an important role in the regulation of physiological processes. Various diseases can occur when the function of the adrenal glands is impaired, so it is important to contact a specialist at the first sign of dysfunction of these glands.



The adrenal glands are paired endocrine glands that are located above the upper poles of the kidneys and have the shape of triangles. Each adrenal gland consists of a medulla and a cortex. The medulla consists of chromaffin cells and is the main part of the adrenal gland, while the cortex surrounds it and is formed from mesoderm. Under the influence of the sympathetic nerve, the medulla produces the hormones adrenaline and norepinephrine. The cortex produces corticosteroid hormones that affect the metabolism of glucose, electrolytes and sex hormones. The adrenal glands play an important role in regulating homeostasis, metabolism, and the body's adaptation to stress.



The adrenal glands are paired endocrine glands that are located at the upper pole of the kidney. They have the shape of a triangle and consist of two layers: medullary glands and cortical glands. The medullary glands are chromoffin tissue that produces adrenaline, and the cortical glands produce several hormonal components.

The main cortical hormone of the adrenal glands is cortisol, which is responsible for regulating blood glucose levels in humans and other animals. Cortisol is also responsible for managing the body's responses to stress and disease in the body. When there is a hormonal imbalance of cortisol in the body, various painful conditions can occur, for example, diseases associated with metabolic disorders, stomach ulcers, some forms of cancer, infectious diseases and others.

Another hormone produced by the adrenal cortex is an androsteroid, especially androstone. Androstone is released during stress, just like norachndresterol, and this substance can be taken by women.

In turn, another hormone of the adrenal cortex - glucopritene - can cause internal acne on the skin. Glycopritin poisoning can cause stomach ulcers, disrupt pregnancy, and even lead to the formation of tumors.