Adrenal Glands

There are two adrenal glands which are situated just above each kidney. They are part of the endocrine system i.e., their function is hormonal. Each gland is composed of an internal portion called the medulla and an external portion called the cortex. The medulla produces a hormone called epinephrine, which raises blood pressure. It also stimulates heart rate, dilates coronary blood vessels and increases the respiratory rate. The cortex produces a group of very important steroid hormones including corticosterone, which influences the body's utilization of sugar, desoxycorticosterone, which controls the retention of sodium and water and aldosterone, which affects the utilization of sodium and potassium. In addition the cortex produces sex and reproduction hormones. The adrenal glands also produce hormones that assist the body to react to stress. The adrenal glands are stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system