Adrenal glands
The adrenal glands are situated within the belly cavity, exactly above every kidney, therefore their identify.
They’re endocrine glands, chargeable for the manufacturing of vital hormones, corresponding to adrenaline and noradrenaline, which act on numerous organs and take part within the functioning of the physique.
Within the adrenal gland, two distinct areas are acknowledged: the medulla and the cortex. Every of those components produces completely different hormones and has its personal traits.
The adrenal glands are situated above the kidneys.
Operate of the Adrenal Glands
The principle perform of the adrenal glands is the manufacturing of hormones , which take part within the regulation of sodium, potassium and water ranges within the physique, carbohydrate metabolism and the physique’s responses to irritating conditions.
Adrenal gland Hormones
The principle hormones produced and launched by the adrenal glands are:
- Aldosterone: Acts on the steadiness of fluids, particularly sodium and potassium in blood plasma.
- Cortisol: Referred to as the “stress hormone”, it’s chargeable for controlling stress and acts to keep up blood sugar ranges and blood stress.
- Adrenaline: Acts as a protection mechanism for the physique, getting ready it for an emergency state of affairs, particularly in irritating conditions.
- Noradrenaline: Helps put together the physique for a sure motion in moments of concern, shock or robust feelings.
See additionally:Endocrine System
Anatomy and Histology
The adrenal glands measure about 5 cm in peak, 2 cm in width, 1 cm in thickness and weigh as much as 10 g.
They’ve variations in form, the one on the best facet has a triangular form, whereas the one on the left facet resembles a half-moon.
The adrenal glands are divided into two parts: the cortex and the medulla.
Anatomically, they’re divided into two important zones:
- Medulla: Central and darker portion of the gland, originating from the neuroectoderm. Chargeable for synthesizing and secreting the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, in line with stimuli from the nervous system.
- Cortex: Constitutes as much as 90% of the gland, being its exterior portion. It has a yellowish coloration, originating from the mesoderm and fashioned by epithelial tissue. It’s subdivided into three components (glomerulosa, fasciculata and reticular zone). It regulates the manufacturing of the hormones aldosterone, cortisol and sexual hormones.
The adrenals are enclosed by a capsule ofconnective tissueand surrounded by a considerable amount of adipose tissue .
See additionally: Endocrine Glands
Ailments that have an effect on the Adrenal Glands
Some illnesses have an effect on the adrenal glands, inflicting extreme or decreased manufacturing of hormones.
The principle adrenal illnesses are:
- Adrenal Gland Most cancers: Two forms of tumors can have an effect on the adrenal glands: adrenal cortex adenomas (principally benign tumors) and adrenal cortical most cancers. Signs are sometimes associated to the stress that the tumor exerts on different organs.
- Adrenal Insufficiency: A situation during which the adrenal cortex doesn’t produce satisfactory quantities of steroid hormones. The principle signs are fatigue, muscle weak spot, decreased urge for food, nausea and weight reduction.
- Addison’s Illness or Power Adrenal Insufficiency: Happens when the adrenal glands are unable to supply their hormones in satisfactory portions. Signs embrace darkish spots on the pores and skin, fatigue, muscle fatigue, lack of urge for food, dehydration, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Cushing’s syndrome: Attributable to extreme manufacturing of cortisol as a result of presence of a tumor within the gland or issues with the pituitary gland. Signs embrace weight achieve, poor wound therapeutic, skinny legs and arms, accumulation of belly fats and osteoporosis.
See additionally:Glands of the Human Body
Curiosities
- The adrenal glands have been scientifically described in 1563 by the Italian Bartolomeu Eustachius.
- The adrenals obtain one of many largest blood provides within the human physique.