

Both parts of the adrenal glands - the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla - perform distinct and separate functions.Įach zone of the adrenal cortex secretes a specific hormone. Many of these hormones have to do with how the body responds to stress, and some are vital to existence. See also an introduction to the endocrine system and information about aspects of it such the locations of and hormones secreted by the main endocrine glands and conditions that affect the endocrine system including diabetes.The role of the adrenal glands in your body is to release certain hormones directly into the bloodstream.

The adrenal cortex consists of three concentric The adrenal gland collects into large medullary veins to exit These synthesize and secrete catecholamines. The medulla consists of many large columnar cellsĬalled chromaffin cells.

Hence they may be described as "richly vascularized". Both of these tissues contain many blood vessels, The most obvious aspect of the structure of the For further information about this see: (Norman Endocrine Surgery Clinic). in the cases of certain types of tumours), one or more of the adrenal glands may be surgically removed. To the kidneys, and are encased in a connective tissueīuried in an island of fat. The human body normally* includes two adrenal glands.
