The adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney and consist of an outer cortex and inner medulla. The cortex secretes corticosteroids like cortisol and aldosterone which regulate processes like glucose metabolism, immune function, and salt/water balance. The medulla secretes catecholamines like epinephrine and norepinephrine to enable rapid fight-or-flight stress responses that increase blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood flow to major organs.

1. Adrenal Glands
One on top of each
kidney
• Cortex
– Corticosteroid
– glandular
• Medulla
– Catecholamines
– neurohormonal
• Epinephrine
• Norepinephrine

2. Adrenal Cortex
• Cortex
– Activity stimulated by ACTH
– Controls prolonged responses
by secreting corticosteroids.
– Mineralcorticoids
• Aldosterone regulate salt and water
balance
– Glucocorticoids
• Cortisol regulate glucose metabolism
and the immune system.
– Gonadocorticoids
• Androgens
• Estrogens

3. Adrenal Medulla
• Medulla
– The adrenal medulla mediates
short–term responses by
secreting catecholamine
hormones.
– Cells are modified neurons (lack
axons)
• Epinephrine (adrenaline)
• Norepinephrine (noreadrenaline)
– enable a rapid ( fight-or-flight )
responses to stress by
increasing blood glucose and
blood pressure and directing
blood to the heart, brain, and
skeletal muscles.