The adrenal glands produce a variety of hormones and are located above the kidneys. Each gland contains two parts - the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla. The adrenal cortex secretes corticosteroids such as cortisol and aldosterone. The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine which increase heart rate and blood pressure during fight or flight responses. Diseases can occur if the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, such as Addison's disease, or produce too much, like Cushing's syndrome.
2. Adrenal gland
The adrenal glands (also known
as suprarenal glands) are endocrine
glands that produce a wide variety of
hormones.
They are located on the top of
the kidneys and their structure and
function are marked by their different
layers.
4. Adrenal gland
Each gland is divided into two parts
Adrenal cortex
Adrenal medulla
Adrenal Cortex
Adrenal Medulla
5. Hormonal release
When the hypothalamus produces
corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH),
it stimulates the pituitary gland to
release adrenal corticotropic hormone
(ACTH). These hormones, in turn, alert
the adrenal glands to produce
corticosteroid hormones.
7. 7
Adrenal Gland
Adrenal cortex
⚫ Secretes lipid-based steroid hormones, called
“corticosteroids” – “cortico” as in “cortex”
MINERALOCORTICOIDS
⚫ Aldosterone is the main one helps in reabsorption
of Na ions from kidneys
GLUCOCORTICOIDS
⚫ Cortisol (hydrocortisone) is the main one.
⚫ Increased in stress and infection( allergy)
ANDROGENS:
testoesterone is main one. Development of
secondary sexual characteristics.
Adrenal medulla
⚫ Secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine
8.
9.
10. Hormones of the Adrenal Medulla
•During the ‘flight or fight’ response, more
epinephrine is released to the bloodstream
as compared to nor-epinephrine.
•Epinephrine causes some blood vessels to
constrict (narrow down) while
•Nor-epinephrine generally causes dilation
of the majority of blood vessels once
released.
11. Adrenal insufficiency
Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands don’t
make enough cortisol, and sometimes, aldosterone.
Symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, decreased
appetite, and weight loss.
Some people experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Adrenal insufficiency is treated with hormones that replace
the hormones your body is lacking.
12. Addison’s disease: This rare disorder may
affect anyone at any age. It develops when
the adrenal cortex fails to produce enough
cortisol and aldosterone.
Cushing’s syndrome: Cushing’s syndrome
is an uncommon condition that is essentially
the opposite of Addison’s disease. It is
caused by overproduction of the hormone
cortisol.
