Adrenal+Glands

The two adrenal glands of the body are just near (cranial to) the kidneys on the lateral sides of the abdomen. They regulate electrolyte, metabolism, sex function and response to injury. They are labeled on the outside and inside just like the kidney so that the outer portion is the adrenal cortex and the inner portion is the adrenal medulla. Each portion is responsible for different secretions. In this picture the probe is pointing directly to the adrenal gland. Notice it is at the cranial area of the kidney but it is almost medial to it in this cranial location.

Hormones:

Adrenal cortex: Mineralocorticoids- Aldosterone- regulates sodium and potassium, and other electrolytes and water balance by affecting kidney ion transport Glucocorticoids- Hydrocortisone or Cortisol- regulates carbohydrates, fat, and protein metabolism, resistance to stress and immunologic function Adrogen- develops and maintains male sex characteristics

Adrenal medulla: Epinephrine/Adrenaline- a Catecholamine- stimulates sympathetic nervous sytem and increases blood pressure, heart rate, and blood glucose (also known as a vasopressor- substances that stimulate blood vessel contraction and increased blood pressure) Norepinephrine/noradrenaline- a Catecholamine- does the same thing as ephinephrine