The adrenal glands are small glands that lie just above each kidney (which is sometimes called the adrenal glands for that reason). They are triangular shaped and are composed of several distinct parts:
The central part of the gland called the adrenal medulla and produces the chemicals epinephrine (also called adrenaline) and norepinephrine. Both of these chemicals are involved in regulating the nervous system. Epinephrine controls the stress response in the short term (also known as fight or flight response). While norepinephrine also plays a role in stress response in the short term, work on the regulation of mood and attention, too.
The outside of the gland surrounding the medulla is the adrenal cortex. This part of the adrenal gland is primarily responsible for producing steroid hormones in the body. There are several types of steroid hormones that are produced by the adrenal glands. Mineralocorticoids (such as aldosterone) are steroid hormones the help regulate the salt levels in the body by regulating the absorption and excretion of salt and water by the kidneys. This in turn helps to regulate blood pressure. Glucocorticoids (eg cortisol) are steroid hormones that play a critical role in the regulation of sugar in the body. These hormones also help regulate fat deposits in the body act as an anti-inflammatory power, and play an important role in fetal development, particularly in lung maturation. The adrenal cortex produces several sex steroid hormones, including androgens (critical for male sexual development) and precursors to estrogen (critical for female sexual development).
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