Adrenal glands

• The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped glands located on top of both kidneys.
• They are part of the body’s endocrine system, producing hormones that are vital for life.

• Each adrenal gland is structurally and functionally divided into two main parts: the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla, each responsible for producing different sets of hormones.

Structure of Adrenal glands

1. Adrenal Cortex:

   • The outer section of the gland makes up the bulk of the adrenal gland.
   • It is divided into three zones: the zona glomerulosa, the zona fasciculata, and the zona reticularis. Each zone produces different types of hormones.

2. Adrenal Medulla:

   • The inner section of the gland, which produces adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine).

Function of Adrenal glands

1. Adrenal Cortex:

   • Aldosterone: Regulates blood pressure and electrolyte balance.
   • Cortisol: Controls metabolism, immune response, and stress.
   • Androgens: Precursors to sex hormones, influencing sexual development.

2. Adrenal Medulla:

   • Adrenaline and Noradrenaline: Increase heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar for emergency “fight or flight” responses.

Disorders of Adrenal glands

1. Addison’s Disease: Insufficient cortisol and aldosterone, leading to fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure. Often autoimmune.
2. Cushing’s Syndrome: Excess cortisol, causing weight gain, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. Often due to tumors or corticosteroid use.
3. Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s Syndrome): Excess aldosterone causing high blood pressure and low potassium, often from a benign tumor.
4. Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal medulla causing excessive catecholamines, leading to severe hypertension and rapid heart rate.
5. Adrenal Cancer: Malignant tumors that may cause hormone overproduction, mimicking other adrenal disorders.

Treatment of Adrenal glands

• Medications: To replace deficient hormones (e.g., hydrocortisone for Addison’s) or control excess hormones (e.g., mitotane for adrenal cancer).
• Surgery: To remove tumors.
• Management: Ongoing monitoring and symptom management for hormone balance.

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