Adrenal gland hormones
As part of the endocrine system, the adrenal glands produce hormones. Hormones are substances that regulate specific body functions, such as
Adrenal cortex hormones
The adrenal cortex produces several hormones. The most important are aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid), cortisol (a glucocorticoid), and androgens and estrogen (sex hormones).
Aldosterone helps the kidneys control the amount of salt in the blood and tissues of the body.
Cortisol helps the body manage and use carbohydrates, protein and fat. It also causes changes in metabolism to help the body manage stress, and it suppresses the immune system.
Androgens are male sex hormones. The adrenal glands of both men and women make androgens, but in different amounts. Androgens help the organs of the
Estrogen is a female sex hormone. It controls female reproduction and sexual development, including the development of female characteristics such as the growth of breasts.
The adrenal cortex is made up of inner, middle and outer layers. Aldosterone is produced in the outer layer. Cortisol, androgen and estrogen are produced in the inner layer (active zone) and stored in the middle layer (storage zone). In times of stress, the storage zone shrinks and the active zone thickens to secrete more hormones.
Adrenal medulla hormones
The hormones produced by the adrenal medulla are called catecholamines. They act as hormones and as neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the nervous system). They manage the body's response to stress. The 2 more important catecholamines are epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Epinephrine (adrenaline) is released during times of short-term stress such as sudden shock or fear. It increases heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Norepinephrine (noradrenaline) constricts blood vessels. Like epinephrine, it increases heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
The adrenal medulla also produces the protein chromogranin A, which is stored and secreted with epinephrine and norepinephrine.