The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys and each consists of an inner medulla and outer cortex. The medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine, while the cortex is divided into three layers that produce different hormones: the zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids like aldosterone; the zona fasciculata produces glucocorticoids like cortisol; and the zona reticularis produces weak androgens. These hormones work together to regulate fluid balance, metabolism, and other critical bodily functions.

2.  Adrenal glands are triangle-shaped glands located
on top of the kidneys.
 Each gland consists of a medulla (the center of the
gland) which is surrounded by the cortex.
 The medulla is responsible for producing
epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline).

3.  The adrenal cortex produces other hormones
necessary for fluid and electrolyte (salt) balance in
the body such as cortisone and aldosterone.
 The adrenal cortex is composed of three areas:
@zona glomerulosa
@zona fasciculata
@zona reticularis

6. layer Name Primary product
Most superficial Zona glumerulosa Mineralcorticoids
cortical (e.g aldosterone)
layer
Middle corticol Zona fasciculata Glucocorticoids
layer (e.g cartisol)
Deepest cortical Zona reticularis Weak androgens
layer (e.g
adrenosterone)

8. Adrenal Cortex
Glucocorticod Mineralcorticoids Androgens

9.  Produced in the zona fasciculata.
 The primary glucocorticoid released by the
adrenal gland in the human
is cortisol and corticosterone in many other
animals.
 Its secretion is regulated by the
hormone ACTH from the anterior pituitary.
 Main: Cortisol (hydrocortisone)

10.  Essential for life and metabolism
 Stress and circadian rhytm influences release
of these hormone.

11.  It stimulates the release of amino
acids from the body
 It stimulates lipolysis, the breakdown
of fat
 It stimulates gluconeogenesis, the
production of glucose from newly-
released amino acids and lipids

12.  It increases blood glucose levels in response to stress,
by inhibiting glucose uptake into muscle and fat cells
 It strengthens cardiac muscle contractions
 It increases water retention
 It has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects

13.  They are produced in the zona glomerulosa.
 The primary mineralocorticoid is aldosterone.
 Aldosterone is secreted in response
- to high extracellular potassium levels
- low extracellular sodium levels
- low fluid levels and blood volume.

14. Aldosterone effect metabolism in 3 ways:
1)It increases urinary excretion of
potassium ions
2)It increases interstitial levels of
sodium ions
3)It increases water retention and
blood volume

15. Renin Angiotensin System

16.  The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) or the renin-
angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a hormone
system that regulates blood pressure and water (fluid)
balance.
 When blood volume is low, juxtaglomerular cells in the
kidneys secrete renin
 Renin stimulates the production of angiotensin I, which
is then converted to angiotensin II that causes blood
vessels to constrict, resulting in increased blood
pressure.

17.  Angiotensin II also stimulates the secretion of the
hormone aldosterone from the adrenal cortex.
 Aldosterone causes the tubules of the kidneys to
increase the reabsorption of sodium and water into the
blood.
 This increases the volume of fluid in the body, which
also increases blood pressure.

18.  They are produced in the zona reticularis.
 Androgens or androgenic steroids are produced by the
zona reticularis layer of the adrenal cortex.
 Androgens, including testosterone are male sex
hormones.
 It’s assist the development of male characteristics, and
proper development of male sex organs during embryonic
development.

19.  There are usually three arteries that supply each
adrenal gland:
-The superior suprarenal artery is provided by the
inferior phrenic artery
-The middle suprarenal artery is provided by the
abdominal aorta
-The inferior suprarenal artery is provided by the
renal artery

20.  Venous drainage of the adrenal glands is
achieved via the suprarenal veins:
-The right suprarenal vein drains into the inferior
vena cava
-The left suprarenal vein drains into the left renal
vein or the left inferior phrenic vein.