ADRENAL CORTEX AND ADRENAL MEDULLA

HORMONES

Adrenal glands are two pyramid-shaped structures that sit on top of the kidneys, one gland each kidney.

Adrenal glands release hormones that help the body prepare for and deal with stress.

An adrenal gland has an outer part called the adrenal cortex and inner part called the adrenal medulla.

ADRENAL CORTEX About 80 % percent of adrenal cortex

produces more than two dozen steroid hormones called corticosteroids.

ALDOSTERONECORTISOL

AldosteronAldosteron regulates the reabsorption of

sodium ions and excretion of potassium ions by kidneys.

Cortisol Helps control rate of metabolism of

carbonhydrates, fats and proteins.Helps people cope with stress.

Adrenal Cortex DisordersAddison disease

Cushing syndrome

Addison Disease Weight loss

Low blood pressure

General weakness

Cushing SyndromeObesity

Increased blood sugar levels

High blood pressure

Weakening of the bones

ADRENAL MEDULLA Adrenal medulla is a specialized part of the

sympathetic nervous system. For this reason, the adrenaline and noradrenaline it secretes are called neurohormones.

Adrenaline is sometimes known epinephrine.The words adrenaline and epinephrine are

derived from Latin and Greek words, and mean “near the kidneys”.

Adrenal medulla produces the “fight or flight” response to stress. This response is the feeling, you are excited or frightened.

ADRENAL MEDULLA HORMONES Adrenaline

Noradrenaline

Adrenaline causes the heart rate to increase,

respiration rate to increase,

smooth muscle in air ways to relax,

muscles in the arteries to contract and

glucose levels to increase.

NoradrenalineNoradrenaline or norepinephrine is a

neurotransmitter released by the nerve cells. Its chemical structure as well as function is

similar to adrenaline. It increases blood pressure  by constricting the

blood vessels. This action normalizes heartbeat due to which breathing becomes more deep and normal. 

 The main purpose of Noradrenaline is to normalize life threatening low blood pressure (acute hypotension).

Noradrenaline deficiency can lead to tiredness, fatique, lethargy and sullenness.