1. Mia Naglieri and Liad Elmelech
Adrenal Glands
Mia Naglieri and Liad Elmelech

2. Location
The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped glands located above the
Adipose capsule - a protective layer around adrenal gland
Composed of two parts
Adrenal cortex - outer region and is the largest part of adrenal gland
Divided into three zones - zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata & zona reticularis
Each zone is responsible for producing specific hormones
Adrenal medulla - located inside adrenal cortex in the center of an adrenal gland
Produces several “stress hormones,” including adrenaline (epinephrine)
Each produces different hormones
Hormones released into bloodstream
kidneys
directly

3. Hormone Functions Cortisol Glucocorticoid hormone
Produced by the zona fasciculata
Controls body’s use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates
Suppresses inflammation
Regulates blood pressure
Increases blood sugar
Decrease bone formation
From the adrenal cortex
Aldosterone
Controls the amount of electrolytes in the blood
A mineralocorticoid hormone
Adrenal cortex
DHEA and Androgenic Steroids
Weak male hormones
Precursors to estrogens and androgens
Epinephrine (Adrenaline) and Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)
To cope with stress
Can increase heart rate
Force heart contractions
Increase blood flow to muscles and brain
Can tighten blood vessels
Control blood pressure
Increase it in response to stress
From the adrenal medulla
Hormone Functions

4. Regulation feedback system Negative
Stimulus induces hypothalamus to create a hormone which will stimulate the pituitary to secrete another hormone into vascular system
i.e. low cortisol levels stimulate hypothalamus to secrete CRH which triggers anterior pituitary to secrete ACTH into bloodstream
Adrenal glands are triggered to make and release hormones to the rest of the body
i.e. adrenal glands receive ACTH and make cortisol, releasing it into the bloodstream
Higher hormone levels detected and production of hormone
i.e. hypothalamus and pituitary gland stop secretion of CRH and ACTH
Negative
anterior
stops

5. Disease Adrenal insufficiency Causes Diseases of the adrenal glands
Primary adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison’s disease
Often from diseases in the hypothalamus
Diseases pituitary
Secondary adrenal insufficiency
Autoimmune disorders
Infections
Cancer
Genetic factors.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Genetic disorder
Missing essential enzymes to produce cortisol or aldosterone
Low levels of cortisol
Low levels of aldosterone in primary adrenal insufficiency
Symptoms
Weight loss
Poor appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
Abdominal pain
When sudden, can cause comas shock, and seizures
Disease

6. Citations
“Adrenal Glands.” Johns Hopkins Medicine,
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