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Adrenal Gland: Introduction, Parts and Functions of Adrenal Gland
Introduction
- Adrenal glands or Suprarenal glands are the endocrine glands responsible for producing a variety of hormones including adrenaline and the steroids aldosterone and cortisol.
- These glands are found on top of each kidney.
- Human body consists of two adrenal glands the right gland is pyramidal in shape and the left gland is semilunar in shape.
- The left adrenal gland is larger than the right one.
- Size of these glands are usually about 5 × 3 cm with the combined weight ranging from 7 to 10 grams.
Parts and Functions of Adrenal Gland
Adrenal Capsule
- It acts as the protective layer of fat and surrounds each adrenal glands.
- The primary objective of this capsule layer is enclosed and protect each of the adrenal glands.
Adrenal Cortex
- It is the outermost layer of the adrenal gland.
- It is responsible for producing aldosterone, cortisol, and androgens hormones.
Three Layers of Cortex (Zones)
These layers can be examined under a microscope.
Zona Glomerulosa
- It performs the function of secreting mineralocorticoids like aldosterone.
- Mineralocorticoid is a corticosteroid which is involved with maintaining the salt balance in the body.
- Aldosterone is essential for sodium conservation in the kidney, salivary glands, sweat glands and colon.
Zona Fasciculata
- It produces corticosteroids like cortisol.
- Small amounts of androgens such as testosterone and androstenedione are also secreted.
- Androstenedione is an endogenous weak androgen steroid hormone used for making medicine.
- Androstenedione further increases the production of the hormone testosterone to enhance athletic performance, build muscle, reduce body fat, etc.
Zona Reticularis
- It is responsible for producing DHES or dehydroepiandrosterone also called androsterone.
- Androsterone is an endogenous steroid hormone precursor which functions as a metabolic intermediate in the biosynthesis of the androgen and estrogen sex steroids.
Adrenal Medulla
- Medulla is the last and innermost part of the adrenal gland.
- It is located at the center of the gland, being surrounded by the adrenal cortex.
- It further contains the Chromaffin cells, which produce the body՚s main source of catecholamines like (adrenaline and noradrenaline) along with endorphins.
Other Important Functions
- The hormones produced by adrenal glands re very crucial for the normal functioning of the body. For e. g. cortisol (a steroid hormone) that has anti-inflammatory properties and aids the immune system.
- This gland helps in regulating metabolism and blood pressure through various other hormones.