The adrenal glands sit on top of your kidneys. Each adrenal gland is actually two organs; the outer part is called the adrenal cortex, while the inner part is the adrenal medulla. The hormones of the adrenal cortex are essential in a living body. The adrenal cortex produces a hormone called cortisol that helps the body control blood sugar, burn protein and fat, and respond to problems like fever, illness or injury. Other hormones control blood volume, and help the kidneys regulate blood pressure. The adrenal cortex also releases hormones that control secondary sex characteristics in both men and women. The adrenal medulla produces a hormone called epinephrine (adrenaline), which increases the heart rate, opens airways to increase the body's oxygen intake, and increases the blood flow to muscles. This usually happens when a person is excited or under stress. |
