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In mammals, the adrenal gland (also known as suprarenal glands) are the triangle-shaped endocrine glands that sit atop the kidneys; their name indicates that position (ad, "near" or "at" + renes, "kidneys"). They are chiefly responsible for regulating the stress response through the synthesis of corticosteroids and catecholamines, including cortisol and adrenaline.
OverviewAnatomically, the adrenal glands are located in the abdomen, situated on the anteriosuperior aspect of the kidneys. In humans, the adrenal glands are found at the level of the 12th thoracic vertebra and receive their blood supply from the adrenal arteries.
It is separated into two distinct structures, both of which receive regulatory input from the nervous system. Adrenal medulla
As its name suggests, the adrenal medulla is the central core of the adrenal gland, surrounded by the adrenal cortex. The chromaffin cells of the medulla are the body's main source of the catecholamine hormones adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). These water-soluble hormones, derived from the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine, are part of the fight-or-flight response initiated by the sympathetic nervous system. The adrenal medulla can be considered specialized ganglia of the sympathetic nervous system lacking distinct synapses, instead releasing secretions directly into the blood. Adrenal cortex
By contrast, the adrenal cortex is devoted to synthesis of steroid hormones from cholesterol. Some cells belong to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and are the source of cortisol synthesis. Other cortical cells produce androgens such as testosterone, while some regulate water and electrolyte concentrations by secreting aldosterone. In contrast to the direct innervation of the medulla, the cortex is regulated by neuroendocrine hormones secreted by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, as well as by the renin-angiotensin system. Blood supplyAlthough variations of the blood supply to the adrenal glands (and indeed the kidneys themselves) are common, there are usually three arteries that supply each adrenal gland:
Hormones
The adrenal glands secrete other hormones as well. Additional imagesSee alsoLinksReferences
Hypothalamus/Pituitary gland - Pineal gland - Islets of pancreas Hypothalamic-pituitary axes: Adrenal axis (Adrenal gland) - Thyroid axis (Thyroid gland, Parathyroid gland) - Gonadal axis (Testes, Ovaries, Corpus luteum) Endocrine system > Adrenal glands
da:Binyre de:Nebenniere es:Glándula suprarrenal fr:Glande surrénale id:Kelenjar adrenal ia:Glandula adrenal it:Surrene he:בלוטת יותרת הכליה lt:Antinkstis mk:Надбубрежна жлезда nl:Bijnier ja:副腎 no:Binyre pl:Nadnercze pt:Glândula supra-renal ru:Надпочечники simple:Adrenal gland fi:Lisämunuainen sv:Binjure
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