Significantly, cortisol released by adrenal glands helps to increase the levels of glucose in the nervous system, by breaking down all available proteins and fats to glucose in the liver.įurthermore, cortisol has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. In effect, this axis forms the cornerstone of a physiological relationship, that is very crucial to the body’s wellbeing. Moreover, it forms a very intricate part of the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal axis. Which of the Following are Parts of Adrenal Glands?Īs mentioned above, the adrenal gland plays a key role in helping the body to spring into action when faced with a stressful situation. A pair of healthy adrenal glands usually weigh anything between 7-10 grams and are yellow in colour.ġ. The left is almost semilunar in form, and the two glands are generally 5x3 centimetres in size. Together with the adrenal cortex, the adrenal medulla is encased in a protective layer called the adipose capsule, that surrounds the adrenal gland.Īlso, among these two glands, the right is pyramidal in shape and comparatively smaller than the left. Second, the adrenal medulla, situated inside the adrenal cortex, at the centre of the adrenal gland. Each of these zones produces specific hormones for different parts of one’s body.

Further, it consists of three separate zones, namely, zona glomerulosa, zona reticularis and zona fasciculata. The adrenal gland consists of two main regions.įirst, the adrenal cortex, which is the largest and outermost part of a gland. Likewise, the posterior side of left adrenal is surrounded by the left crus of diaphragm.ĭo it yourself – Now that you know where the adrenal glands lie, test yourself and write down the adrenal gland definition in your notebook. The inferior vena cava flank anterior part of right adrenal gland, whereas right crus of diaphragm surround its posterior side. The name 'adrenal' translates to ' near kidneys' in Latin. Let’s take a deeper look into the adrenal gland what does it do.Īlso called the suprarenal glands, these glands are found at the top of both kidneys.

Therefore, the adrenal hormones help prepare one’s body to go into fight or flight mode, when faced with a dire situation. And you’re probably right the adrenal glands are known for releasing adrenaline, arguably one of the best-known hormones out there.

When you think of these glands, stress, fear and panic might automatically come to your mind.

This adrenal gland is also known as suprarenal gland. What do you think happens in your body when you are scared or preparing yourself to face some kind of imminent danger? Do you feel stress? Do you feel your hands shaking? This is all because of adrenal glands – small, triangular glands, situated on the top of both your kidneys.

Adrenal gland and kidney function