Each person has two adrenal glands, one above each kidney. Each adrenal is small weighing about 15grams.
The adrenal produces four major types of hormones;
1. Glucocorticoids.- the major one is known as cortisol. Cortisol is important to maintain life and to protect against stress. One of its major functions is to raise blood glucose level by both increasing production and reducing usage. Too much cortisol can be detrimental by causing muscle wastage and depressing immunity to infection.
2. Mineralocorticoids.- the major hormone is known as aldosterone. Aldosterone ensures that adequate sodium is held in the body by ensuring that the kidney does not leak out too much salt into the urine. Aldosterone increase when upright so ensuring that the body has sufficient salty fluid to maintain blood pressure nad stop you feeling dizzy and light-headed. Likewise in dehydration, aldosterone rises to maintain salt in the body.
3. Androgen.- the most important quantitatively is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and the most potent androstenedione. DHEA remains low until puberty when a rise in production is responsible for the development of pubic and axillary hair. DHEA level rises until the third decade and then falls away with age such that at the age of 70 years it is two thirds lower. This decrease of DHEA in males is sometimes referred to as the male menopause but this is a misnomer as DHEA decreases in both males and females. The exact function of DHEA in adults is still debatable but may be implicated in maintaining muscle and bone integrity as well as general wellbeing.
4. Catecholamines.- there are two types; noradrenaline and adrenaline. These hormones are released especially in 'flight and fright' situations to prevent body collapse but are essential to maintain blood pressure on a daily basis.
Cortisol, aldosterone and DHEA are produced in the outer layers (known as the cortex) of the adrenal gland whilst adrenaline and noradrenaline are produced in the inner core (known as the medulla)
That is the Adrenal gland. Another name for this is the Suprarenal gland.
The enlargement of the adrenal gland is called adrenal gland hypertrophy.
The Adrenal Gland. This gland is divided into two categories, the Adrenal Cortex and the Adrenal Medulla. The Adrenal Medulla produced epinephrine and norepinephrine. Epinephrine is also known as adrenaline, and the beginning of the word, "adrenal", is the same name as the gland, The Adrenal Gland.
The adrenal cortex, where aldosterone is produced, is part of the adrenal gland.
The adrenal gland rests on the kidneys
The central portion of the adrenal gland is known as the adrenal medulla. The function of the adrenal medulla is to secrete epinephrine into the body.
Thickening of the adrenal gland refers to an increase in the size or density of the adrenal gland. This can be due to various conditions such as adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal nodules, or tumors. It may lead to symptoms such as hormonal imbalances or adrenal insufficiency.
the adrenal gland
The adrenal gland
The adrenal gland
The glands that help the body recover from stress are the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands also help the body to respond to emergencies.
An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the adrenal gland. They are trained to diagnose and manage conditions such as adrenal insufficiency, Cushing's syndrome, and adrenal tumors.