Star-shaped endocrine glands that sit on top of the kidneys.
Ductless glands that produce and secrete hormones. Some respond directly to chemical changes in the bloodstream; others are controlled by hormones secreted by the pituitary gland, under the control of the hypothalamus.
Endocrine glands, one located on the top of each kidney. They secrete hormones from the adrenal cortex and from the adrenal medulla they are the site of epinephrine and cortisol production.
One of two endocrine glands at the top of the kidneys which secrete cortisone, adrenaline and other hormones.
A triangular-shaped organ located on the top of each kidney, which produces the hormone adrenalin.
A bean-or pea-shaped gland attached to the superior surface of each kidney. It consists of an outer cortex and an inner portion, the medulla. The cortex releases cortisol, hydrocortisone, corticosterone (the glucocorticoids), aldosterone, and in some species, dehydroepiandrosterone (a steroid hormone intermediate). The medulla releases the catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) and the enkephalins. These hormones play a role in the fight or flight reaction or the sudden alarm response.
Either of a pair of triangular endocrine, or ductless, hormone-secreting glands situated atop a kidney. There are two functional portions—the adrenal cortex manufactures and secretes sex hormones (estrogen), glucocorticoids (cortisone), essential to the function of many body systems, and mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), essential for the maintenance of water and salt balance in the body. The medulla manufactures and secretes catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) into the circulation. These are essential in the maintenance of numerous body functions, including normal blood pressure and heart function, as well as the response to stress.
Endocrine gland located on each kidney; comprised of the adrenal cortex, which excretes steroid hormones, and the adrenal medulla, which secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine.
The two vital organs that produce and secrete hormones into the blood-stream via veins that drain them; also known as suprarenal glands. The triangular-shaped adrenal glands are located on top of the two kidneys. The adrenal glands have two different kinds of cellular tissue that each have their own unique cellular function. The inner portion of an adrenal gland is called the adrenal medulla and secretes the hormone epinephrine, which is produced by the sympathetic nervous system at times of stress, regulates blood pressure, increases heart rate, and raises the blood sugar level. The adrenal medulla also secretes norepinephrine, a hormone that helps maintain normal blood pressure.
Two triangular endocrine glands, each of which covers the superior surface of a kidney. Each gland has two parts, the medulla and cortex. The medulla forms the gray core of the gland; it consists mainly of chromaffin tissue and is stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system to produce ‘epinephrine and ‘norepinephrine. The cortex is a yellowish tissue surrounding the medulla. It is derived embryologically from mesoderm and is stimulated by pituitary hormones (principally ACTH) to produce three kinds of corticosteroid hormones, which affect carbohydrate metabolism (e.g. ‘hydrocortisone), electrolyte metabolism(e.g. aldosterone), and the sex glands (estrogens and androgens).
A triangular gland covering the superior surface of each kidney.
Glands that secrete about 30 steroid hormones and control metabolic processes of the body, including the fight-or-flight response.
A small gland that produces the steroid hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline (also known as epinephrine and norepinephrine), which help control heart rate, blood pressure and other important body functions. There are two adrenal glands, one located on top of each kidney.
Two small endocrine glands, located one above each kidney, that produce hormones affecting kidney function, metabolism, and response to stress.
The organ that sits on top of each kidney and makes epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine which regulate blood pressure and heart rate.
Situated atop each kidney, there resides an endocrine gland known as the adrenal gland. Within this remarkable gland, the inner core carries out the production and release of epinephrine, more commonly referred to as adrenaline, while the outer layer is responsible for the synthesis and secretion of steroid hormones.
Situated atop the kidneys, there exists a pair of diminutive, triangular endocrine glands responsible for secreting hormones directly into the bloodstream. These glands are known as the adrenal glands. Each adrenal gland comprises two distinctive components: the outer adrenal cortex and the smaller, inner adrenal medulla.
Aldosterone, secreted by the adrenal cortex, plays a pivotal role in regulating blood volume and blood pressure by impeding the excretion of sodium in the urine. Furthermore, the cortex produces hydrocortisone and corticosterone, along with modest quantities of androgen hormones. Hydrocortisone governs the body’s utilization of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, while also playing a crucial role in assisting the body in managing stress. Moreover, hydrocortisone and corticosterone suppress inflammatory reactions and certain functions of the immune system.
The adrenal medulla forms an integral part of the sympathetic division within the autonomic nervous system, acting as the body’s initial defense mechanism against both physical and emotional stress. When stimulated by sympathetic nerves, the medulla releases the hormones adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). These hormones are predominantly secreted during periods of heightened stress when the sympathetic nerves are most active.
Upon their release into the bloodstream, these hormones elicit effects akin to sympathetic nerve stimulation. They prompt an increase in heart rate and the force of contraction of the heart muscle, facilitating a more efficient pumping of blood throughout the body. Additionally, these hormones cause the airways to dilate, promoting easier breathing. Furthermore, the hormones induce constriction of blood vessels in the intestines, kidneys, and liver, while simultaneously widening the blood vessels that supply the skeletal muscles. As a result, an augmented blood supply is directed towards the active muscles, while a decreased supply is allocated to the internal organs.
Two hormone-producing glands located above each kidney, responsible for secreting adrenaline. Each gland measures approximately 2.5 inches in length and 1.5 inches in width, with a weight of about a quarter of an ounce. These are also known as suprarenal glands.