Adrenal glands are two pyramid-shaped structures
that sit on top of the kidneys, one gland each
kidney.
 Adrenal glands release hormones that help
the body prepare for and deal with stress.
 An adrenal gland has an outer part called the adrenal
cortex and inner part called the adrenal medulla.
ADRENAL CORTEX
 About 80 % percent of adrenal cortex produces
more than two dozen steroid hormones called
corticosteroids.
 ALDOSTERONE
 CORTISOL
Aldosteron
 Aldosteron regulates the reabsorption of sodium
ions and excretion of potassium ions by kidneys.
Cortisol
 Helps control rate of metabolism of carbonhydrates,
fats and proteins.
 Helps people cope with stress.
Adrenal Cortex Disorders
 Addison disease
 Cushing syndrome
Addison Disease
 Weight loss
 Low blood pressure
 General weakness
Cushing Syndrome
 Obesity
 Increased blood sugar levels
 High blood pressure
 Weakening of the bones
ADRENAL MEDULLA
 Adrenal medulla is a specialized part of the
sympathetic nervous system. For this reason, the
adrenaline and noradrenaline it secretes are
called neurohormones.
 Adrenaline is sometimes known epinephrine.
 The words adrenaline and epinephrine are derived
from Latin and Greek words, and mean “near the
kidneys”.
 Adrenal medulla produces the “fight or flight”
response to stress. This response is the feeling,
you are excited or frightened.
ADRENAL MEDULLA
HORMONES
 Adrenaline
 Noradrenaline
Adrenaline
 causes the heart rate to increase,
 respiration rate to increase,
 smooth muscle in air ways to relax,
 muscles in the arteries to contract and
 glucose levels to increase.
Noradrenaline
 Noradrenaline or norepinephrine is a
neurotransmitter released by the nerve cells.
 Its chemical structure as well as function is
similar to adrenaline.
 It increases blood pressure by constricting the
blood vessels. This action normalizes heartbeat
due to which breathing becomes more deep and
normal.
 The main purpose of Noradrenaline is to
normalize life threatening low blood
pressure (acute hypotension).
 Noradrenaline deficiency can lead to tiredness,
fatique, lethargy and sullenness.