1. Hormone Control Center
The adrenal glands, also known as suprarenal glands, look like bumpy, triangular shaped masses. There is one adrenal gland sitting on the top of each human kidney. These glands are small, measuring 1/2-inch high and 3 inches long. The adrenal glands receive their blood from the adrenal arteries. Each adrenal gland consists of two parts, including the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. The hypothalamus of the brain plays a role in controlling both parts of the adrenal glands, telling them when to release hormones into the body.
2. The Adrenal Medulla
The adrenal medulla sits at the center of the adrenal gland, surrounded by the adrenal cortex. In response to stress, the adrenal medulla releases two hormones or neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine and epinephrine. These hormones affect changes in the body, such as increases in blood sugar, metabolic rate and heart beat. In addition, the person's pupils and bronchi may dilate and the hair on his arms will stand up straight.
3. The Adrenal Cortex
Three regions make up the adrenal cortex, and all release some sort of hormone with a distinctive function. The external portion of the adrenal cortex releases mineralocorticoids, such as aldosterone. The middle part of the adrenal cortex releases glucocorticoids, such as cortisol. Finally, the center part of the adrenal cortex releases gonadocorticoids, otherwise known as sex hormones.
4. Cushings Syndrome
If the brain isn't sending the correct messages to the adrenal gland, then there may be an interruption in proper function. One disease of the adrenal gland, which results from an interruption in function, is Cushing's syndrome. This disease, which typically occurs in people between the ages of 20 and 50, releases extra cortisol into the body. This excess cortisol may lead to symptoms, such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, weakness, overgrowth of body hair, menstrual irregularities and sexual dysfunction. Most often, the release of extra cortisol associated with Cushings syndrome, results from a tumor of the pituitary gland. Occasionally, this syndrome results from tumors of the adrenal gland or tumors located somewhere else in the body.
5. Cancer's of the Adrenal Gland
Tumors of the adrenal gland, whether benign or malignant, may lead to dysfunction. One tumor of concern is pheochromocytoma, an unlikely tumor of the adrenal medulla, which releases excess epinephrine and norepinephrine. Symptoms of this rare tumor may include headache, heart palpitations, excessive and inappropriate perspiration, agitation, anxiousness, tremors, nausea, weakness, chest or abdominal pains, exhaustion and weight loss. Another tumor of the adrenal gland may produce a disorder known as hyperaldosteronism. This disease occurs more commonly in women than men. While some patients show no symptoms of hyperadlosteronism, many patients experience hypertension. Other symptoms may include constipation, weak muscles, excessive urination, excessive thirst, headache and mood changes.
