The endocrine system of the body produces hormones that regulate cellular functions and contribute to body type. The adrenal glands, a pair of small triangle-shaped glands located on top of each kidney, produce hormones that regulate the storage and use of energy, the chemicals in the blood, sexual function and stress responses. Some of the adrenal gland hormones contribute to the characteristics of the body helping to create a specific body type. Conditions that affect the levels of hormones produced by the adrenal glands can cause a variety of symptoms and affect body characteristics.
Hormones Produced
The adrenal glands consist of two distinct sections: the outer portion, known as the adrenal cortex, and the inner portion, known as the adrenal medulla. The adrenal medulla produces the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline in response to stress or fear. The adrenal cortex produces cortisol, also known as hydrocortisone, which regulates the use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It also produces aldosterone--a hormone that affects the amount of salts and water in the blood, as well as the sex hormones estrogen, progesterone and androgens.
Types of Dysfunction
Many conditions and diseases throughout the body can affect the ability of the adrenal glands to function properly. Conditions that directly affect the adrenal glands, such as an adrenocortical carcinoma--a tumor in the adrenal cortex--can induce increased hormone production. The pituitary gland, a small gland near the base of the brain, produces a hormone known as adrenocorticotropic hormone that regulates adrenal gland hormone production. Pituitary tumors that increase this hormone can result in an increase of adrenal gland hormones. Damage to the adrenal glands can inhibit the production of hormones. An increase or decrease in adrenal gland hormones can affect body type.
Effects on Growth
Cortisol regulates the storage and use of energy. Ingested food travels through the digestive tract that functions to break down the large food particles into smaller particles the body can absorb. The body converts most of these particles into glucose, the main source of energy for cells. Too much cortisol interferes with this process affecting the available energy. In addition, a study conducted by Sartin and associates in the "Journal of Endocrinology" suggests cortisol inhibits the release of growth hormone. Therefore, the dysfunction of the adrenal glands and increased cortisol production leads to a short stature, according to MedLine Plus.
Characteristic Features
Increased production of cortisol also affects other parts of the body, creating specific body type features. Dysfunction of the adrenal glands causes fat to accumulate in the neck and face. This creates a characteristic hump on the neck, referred to as a buffalo hump, and gives the face a rounded look often described as a moon face, according to the Life Extension Foundation.
Enhanced Male Features
The adrenal glands produce androgen hormones, which contribute to characteristic male body types. Adrenal dysfunction that increases androgen production causes increased facial hair, increased body hair and deepens the voice.
