Their job is to keep the body in balance by making various hormones that are critical for maintaining good health. The adrenal glands control many processes in the body. The adrenal cortex (outer part) makes steroid hormones (such as cortisone and aldosterone).The adrenal medulla (inner part) makes epinephrine (also called adrenaline).They are triangle-shaped, and measure about half an inch in height and 3 inches in length. The adrenal glands are found above each kidney. They can develop in anyone of any age, but they are more common in older individuals.! What Happens Under Normal Conditions In times of stress, the storage zone shrinks and the active zone thickens to secrete more hormones.An adrenal mass is an abnormal growth that develops in the adrenal gland. Cortisol, androgen and estrogen are produced in the inner layer (active zone) and stored in the middle layer (storage zone). Aldosterone is produced in the outer layer. The adrenal cortex is made up of inner, middle and outer layers. It controls female reproduction and sexual development, including the development of female characteristics such as the growth of breasts. Androgens are needed to make estrogen.Įstrogen is a female sex hormone.
Androgens also control the development of male physical traits, such as deep voice, body and facial hair growth and body shape. Androgens help the organs of the reproductive system grow, develop and function. The adrenal glands of both men and women make androgens, but in different amounts. It also causes changes in metabolism to help the body manage stress, and it suppresses the immune system.Īndrogens are male sex hormones. The most important are aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid), cortisol (a glucocorticoid), and androgens and estrogen (sex hormones).Īldosterone helps the kidneys control the amount of salt in the blood and tissues of the body.Ĭortisol helps the body manage and use carbohydrates, protein and fat. The adrenal cortex produces several hormones.
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