This small gland is part of the endocrine system whose function is the regulation of stress. They are located above each of the kidneys.

There are 2 completely different aspects of the adrenal gland.

1.) Adrenal medulla
2.) Adrenal Cortex

Adrenal Medulla

This is the center of the adrenal gland – the adrenal cortex surrounds the medulla.

Chromaffin cells are found in the medulla and they are where important “catecholamine” hormones are made.

Adrenaline (epinephrine) and Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) are two catecholamines

Both of these two hormones are important in the nervous system. The “flight-or-fight” response of the central nervous system is dependant on stress which can cause these hormones to become active.

Adrenal Cortex

This is the outer layer of the adrenal gland. The cells in this region are designed to synthesis hormones referred to as “corticosteroids”

- Cortisol
- Testosterone
- Aldosterone

The cortex is divided into 3 regions

1.) Zona Glomerulosa
2.) Zona Fasciluata
3.) Zona Reticularis