Explanation:
These are pair of endocrine glands located at the top of each kidney,attached by fibrous capsule.They are also known as Suprarenal glands. The kidney is also known anatomically as the renal.
It major function is hormone productions under the influence of the pituitary glands and the hypothalamus.Therefore the adrenal glands are rich blood supply so that as the hormones are secreted, they are discharged directly into the blood stream for circulation to the body.
It is made up of two distinct outer cortex and the inner medulla layer.The latter is made up of nervous tissues,while the former is of glandular tissues.Thus most of the hormones of the adrenal gland comes from the cortex.This is because the cortex has three subdivision as three major zones : The zona glomerulosa, the zona fasciculata, and the zona reticularis. Each of these zones produced their hormones.
Specifically,the cortex secretes Cortisol hormones.This takes place under the Hypothalamic -pituitary-adrenal pathways linked with adrenocorticotropic hormone and then stimulation of the cortex for cortisol production.
The inner medulla is made up of group of neurons which are extension of ANS.This extension is called the postganglionic sympathetic Neuron.Through this network it is stimulated by the hypothalamus to produce epinephrine and nor-epinephrine. These are Amine hormones for stress response.
The zona glomerulosa- produces hormones called mineralocorticoids. These are for minerals levels balance in the body fluids especially Na+ and K+.Thus they are needed for electrolyte balance and therefore body fluids. As minerals are reabsorbed water follows by osmosis.
Zona fasciculata- produces -glucocorticoids,while zona reticularis. produces hormones called- Androgens needed for reproductions.
