Placed at the top section of the kidneys, the adrenal glands are primarily responsible for producing hormones the body needs to perform certain functions, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. Adrenal glands can be divided into the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. In addition, the adrenal glands coordinate with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in order to fulfill specific responsibilities.
Development of Masculine Features
Adrenal glands produce the hormone testosterone. Testosterone is responsible for the development of distinctly masculine physiological features. Because the adrenal glands can affect the growth and development of masculine features in men, improperly functioning adrenal glands can cause abnormalities in male development.
Converts Glycogen into Blood Sugar
Adrenal glands in men produce adrenaline via the adrenal medulla, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Adrenaline assists the liver in transforming glycogen, an inactive storage form of glucose, into blood sugar. Doing so can help boost the body's overall energy levels. Such a function is vital during instances when additional energy would prove beneficial.
Control Salt Levels in the Body
The cortical section of the adrenal glands helps control the levels of salt in the body. The adrenal cortex produces aldosterone, a hormone responsible for regulating the amount of salt purged from the body via urination, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Increases Contractions of the Heart
Adrenaline produced by the adrenal medulla causes the heart to increase its contractions and elevates the heart rate, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This can be beneficial during an emergency that requires physical exertion of some kind.
Maintains Blood Pressure and Volume
Aldosterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, is responsible for maintaining blood pressure as well as the volume of blood in the body, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition, noradrenaline produced by the adrenal medulla can also affect blood pressure. Dysfunctional adrenal glands may thus have a negative effect on overall blood pressure.
Regulates Stress
The adrenal glands produce corticosteroids that can help regulate stress, notes KidsHealth. The nature of the stress may be physiological or even emotional, but the adrenal glands can assist in managing stress.
Releases Hormones that Affect Metabolism
Adrenal glands in men can produce and release hormones that affect metabolism, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. This can include affecting the way the body utilizes carbohydrates, fat, and proteins.
Represses Immune Responses
Adrenal glands in men can also repress specific immune responses, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center and KidsHealth.org. One such example is the way hormones produced by the adrenal cortex can decrease inflammation.
