Adrenal

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Adrenal

Adrenal (pronounced: /əˈdriːn(ə)l/), also known as the adrenal glands, are small, triangular-shaped glands located on top of both kidneys. They are part of the endocrine system and are responsible for producing certain hormones that the body needs for survival.

Etymology

The term "adrenal" comes from the Latin words "ad" meaning "near" and "renes" meaning "kidneys". This is a direct reference to the location of these glands in the human body.

Function

The adrenal glands are responsible for producing and releasing different hormones that help regulate metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, response to stress and other essential functions. They are divided into two parts: the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla, each producing different types of hormones.

Adrenal Cortex

The adrenal cortex, the outer part of the adrenal gland, produces hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenal androgens. Cortisol helps the body respond to stress, aldosterone helps regulate blood pressure, and adrenal androgens are a type of sex hormone.

Adrenal Medulla

The adrenal medulla, the inner part of the adrenal gland, produces adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) and noradrenaline (also known as norepinephrine). These hormones help the body respond to stress by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.

Related Terms

  • Adrenal insufficiency: A condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones.
  • Adrenal fatigue: A term used to describe a variety of symptoms related to the underperformance of the adrenal gland.
  • Adrenal tumor: An abnormal growth that develops in the adrenal gland.
  • Adrenal crisis: A life-threatening condition that can occur in people with adrenal insufficiency.
  • Adrenal hyperplasia: A group of inherited disorders where the adrenal gland is overactive, producing too much hormone.

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