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The adrenal glands (also known as suprarenal glands) are endocrine glands that produce a variety of hormones including adrenaline and the steroids aldosterone and cortisol. [1] [2] They are found above the kidneys. Each gland has an outer cortex which produces steroid hormones and an inner medulla.
The adrenal medulla may be poorly formed or absent in cases of absent adrenal gland. The deficiency in circulating catecholamines is mildly symptomatic due to compensation by the autonomous nervous system , except in episodes of hypoglycemia where glycogenolysis cannot be stimulated by circulating epinephrine .
Cushing's disease and Addison's disease are pathologies involving the dysfunction of the adrenal gland. Dysfunction in the adrenal gland could be due to primary or secondary factors and can result in hypercortisolism or hypocortisolism. Cushing's disease is characterized by the hypersecretion of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) due to a ...
The endocrine system arises from all three embryonic germ layers. The endocrine glands that produce the steroid hormones, such as the gonads and adrenal cortex, arise from the mesoderm. In contrast, endocrine glands that arise from the endoderm and ectoderm produce the amine, peptide, and protein hormones. [1]
The inferior suprarenal artery is a paired artery that supplies the adrenal gland. It usually originates at the trunk of the renal artery before its terminal division, but with many common variations. It supplies the adrenal gland parenchyma, the ureter, and the surrounding cellular tissue and muscles.
The superior suprarenal artery is an artery in the abdomen. It is a branch of the inferior phrenic artery , itself a branch of the aorta . It supplies the adrenal gland .
The adrenal cortex is the outer region and also the largest part of the adrenal gland. It is divided into three separate zones: zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata and zona reticularis. Each zone is responsible for producing specific hormones. It is also a secondary site of androgen synthesis. [2]
The immune system specifically targets the cells of the adrenal cortex and destroys them, but Addison's disease can also be caused by a severe infection such as tuberculosis. Some symptoms include hypoglycemia and decreased blood sodium levels and increased blood potassium levels caused by a deficiency of aldosterone .