By Helena Daka, Rosanna Gizzo & Elizabeth Peraj Adrenal Gland By Helena Daka, Rosanna Gizzo & Elizabeth Peraj

Adrenals: Anatomy & Function Adrenal glands, which are also called suprarenal glands, are small, triangular glands located on top of both kidneys. An adrenal gland is made of two parts: the outer region is called the adrenal cortex and the inner region is called the adrenal medulla. The adrenal glands work interactively with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the following process:the hypothalamus produces corticotropin-releasing hormones, which stimulate the pituitary gland.the pituitary gland, in turn, produces corticotropin hormones, which stimulate the adrenal glands to produce corticosteroid hormones.

What is the Adrenal Cortex The adrenal cortex, the outer portion of the adrenal gland, secretes hormones that have an effect on the body's metabolism, on chemicals in the blood, and on certain body characteristics. The adrenal cortex secretes corticosteroids and other hormones directly into the bloodstream. The hormones produced by the adrenal cortex include:mcorticosteroid hormoneshydrocortisone hormone - this hormone, also known as cortisol, controls the body's use of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.corticosterone - this hormone, together with hydrocortisone hormones, suppresses inflammatory reactions in the body and also affects the immune system.aldosterone hormone - this hormone inhibits the level of sodium excreted into the urine, maintaining blood volume and blood pressure.androgenic steroids (androgen hormones) - these hormones have minimal effect on the development of male characteristics.

What is the Adrenal Medulla The adrenal medulla, the inner part of the adrenal gland, is not essential to life, but helps a person in coping with physical and emotional stress. The adrenal medulla secretes the following hormones:epinephrine (also called adrenaline) - this hormone increases the heart rate and force of heart contractions, facilitates blood flow to the muscles and brain, causes relaxation of smooth muscles, helps with conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver, and other activities.
norepinephrine (also called noradrenaline) - this hormone has little effect on smooth muscle, metabolic processes, and cardiac output, but has strong vasoconstrictive effects, thus increasing blood pressure.

Organ Interactions: When you are (or feel) threatened physically or emotionally, your sympathetic nervous system brings about the “flight-or-flight” response to help you cope with the stressful situation. One of the organs it stimulates is the adrenal medulla, which literally pumps its hormones into the bloodstream to enhance and prolong the effects of the neurotransmitters of the sympathetic nervous system.

Organs Interactions: An organ that interacts with the adrenals glands are the kidneys. Mineralocorticoids, mainly aldosterone, are a steroid hormone released by the adrenal cortex. This steroid hormone regulates the mineral (salt) content of the blood. Mineralocorticoids regulate the concentrations of sodium and potassium ions. By regulating the salt content of the blood, mineralocorticoids target the kidney tubules. When blood levels of aldosterone rise, the kidney tubule cells regain increasing amounts of sodium ions and secrete more potassium ions into the urine. When sodium is reabsorbed, water follows. Mineralocorticoids control water and electrolyte balance in the body. Another organ that interacts with the adrenal glands is the heart. A hormone released by the heart, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), prevents aldosterone release. ANP’s goal is to reduce blood volume and blood pressure.

Addison’s Disease Also known as Adrenal Insufficiency. Occurs when your adrenal glands do not secrete adrenal cortex hormones such as cortisol (helps in regulating blood sugar & blood pressure, decreases immune responses) and aldosterone (increases reabsorbing water & sodium and secreting of potassium). Symptoms of Addison’s include fatigue, weight loss, weak muscles, low blood pressure, and changes in skin color, as well as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and difficulty managing stress. Addison’s is treated by taking pills that contain the hormones needed. In some cases, surgery is necessary and injections of hormones are given. If Addison’s remains untreated, it can be deadly.

Hyperpigmentation

Pheochromocytoma Currently, this tumor is the only noted disease of the adrenal medulla. It can occur in one or both of the adrenal glands. It can release large amounts of epinephrine and norepinephrine. Patients can experience symptoms of reoccurring phases of high blood pressure, anxiety, headaches, & heart palpitations. Others experience constant hypertension. Some signs can be treated with medicines that inhibit the activity of the epinephrine and norepinephrine. Surgery is the beneficial option because the entire tumor is removed.

Conn’s Syndrome Also known as primary hyperaldosteronism. Occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone. The main cause is hypertension and it is usually the only symptom. This disease can be found if a person has larger adrenals or has a benign tumor on an adrenal. It can be treated with a diet low in salt and potassium supplements.

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