Besides having physical differences that give them a distinct appearance, they release hormones independently of each other. The outermost layer of the adrenal gland is called the adrenal cortex, while the inner layer is named the adrenal medulla. When a biopsy is taken of the adrenal gland, two sections are immediately visualized. Our adrenal glands are two organs shaped in the form of a triangle that spans three inches in length. The image above depicts a simple illustration of the adrenal glands and surrounding structures. Here, they can release hormones into the bloodstream which stimulate various aspects of the stress response. Our two adrenal glands can be found lying on top of each of our kidneys. Via adrenal androgens, the adrenal gland helps create differences between the sexes by initiating the development of our sex organs and secondary traits.Via cortisol, the body is not only able to respond to stress in potentially life-saving circumstances, but it will also help us regulate our body’s metabolism by initiating glucose production and by circulating fatty acids and amino acids to our cells.This will most certainly lead to dehydration. In the absence of aldosterone, the kidney will lose lots of salt to urine which will draw water from our vessels and remove it from our system. Via aldosterone, which we will discuss in more detail below, the adrenal gland allows our kidneys to regulate blood pressure via salt and water exchange between the kidneys and our surrounding blood vessels.However, the adrenal gland is also involved in more mundane, but equally important, aspects of our everyday life. This has the most primal purpose of helping us evade danger and, therefore, of prolonging our lifespan. The most unique function of the adrenal glands is their ability to orchestrate responses to stressors. The main products released by the adrenal glands are cortisol, epinephrine, aldosterone, and adrenal androgens, precursors of sex hormones. Thus, the adrenal glands play a functional role in our alertness, growth, and more. In spite of all of the negative connotations associated with stress, in normal amounts the stress hormones allow us to focus better to perform the tasks at hand.

Cortisol is largely responsible for this newfound focus. A feeling we may be familiar with is the intense focus we feel when studying for an exam the night before we have it. But even more low key scenarios trigger the release of cortisol from the adrenal gland. Anything that shortens the time in which we can engage our muscles and run will likely increase our chance of survival.

Adrenal glands hormones