ADRENAL

G LA N D S
 LOCATION

- The word adrenal

means “above kidney”
- Each adrenal is
located on top of the
two kidneys.

- The adrenal glands is made up of two parts: the outer

adrenal cortex and the inner adrenal medulla.
 SECRETION

ADRENAL MEDULLA ADRENAL CORTEX

- secretes epinephrine and
noreinephrine
also known as adrenaline and
noradrenaline
- secretes three types of
hormones:
• glucocorticoids,
• mineralocrticoids,
• and sex hormones
FUNCTION
ADRENAL MEDULLA
• adrenaline and noradrenaline - these hormones help the body respond to
and survive emergencies by increasing heart rate, breathing, and blood flow.
 adrenaline - often regarded as the emergency hormone which is
released when a person feels endangered or excited.
- plays an important role in the body's coping mechanism
against short term physical and emotional stress.
DANGEROUS
SITUATION

ADRENALINE
FUNCTION
ADRENAL CORTEX
1. glucocorticoids
• Cortisol - an important glucocorticoid, Corticosteroid
which is essential during prolonged stress, -regulates the body's metabolism,
as in times of infection. electrolyte balance, immune system,
and long-term stress response.
2. mineralocorticoids
• Aldosterone - a major mineralocorticoid
that regulates salt and water in the body.
3. sex hormones - are important for post-menopausal women
DISORDERS
Addison's Disease
• The outside layer of the adrenal glands makes hormones that help your body
respond to stress and regulate your blood pressure and water and salt balance.
• Addison disease happens if the adrenal glands don't make enough of these
hormones.
• It causes your body to shut down production of the hormones.
Symptoms include
-Weight loss
-Muscle weakness
-Fatigue that gets worse over time
-Low blood pressure
-Patchy or dark skin
TREATMENT
• Treating Addison’s disease usually involves taking prescription
hormones.This can include hydrocortisone, prednisone, or
cortisone acetate.

• If your body is not making enough of the hormone aldosterone,

your doctor may prescribe fludrocortisone. These medicines are
taken every day by mouth (in pill form).

• If you are experiencing an Addisonian crisis, you need immediate

medical care. The treatment typically consists of intravenous (IV)
injections of hydrocortisone, saline (salt water), and dextrose
(sugar). These injections help restore blood pressure, blood sugar,
and potassium levels to normal.