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The human adrenals are located in close vicinity to
the upper kidney poles. The weight of the adrenals in
adults is approximately 4g and is not affected by age,
body weight or sex. The adrenal consists of two functionally
distinct endocrine glands, which are covered by a common
capsule. The
adrenal cortex is the outer layer of the adrenal gland
and makes up approximately 90% of the adrenal weight.
In the cortex, adrenal steroids such as the stress hormone
cortisol, the blood pressure hormone aldosterone and
adrenal androgens are produced. |
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The
adrenal medulla is located in the inner part of the
adrenal gland. Here, the catecholamines epinephrine
and norepinephrine are produced.
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Both
parts of the adrenal gland play an essential role in adaptation
to major stress. In response to severe infection, trauma
and shock, the organism responds with activation of the
adrenal gland, leading to enhanced cortisol (glucocorticoid)
secretion and catecholamine secretion. This response is
necessary to maintain homeostasis during stress. In case
of adrenal impairment, the stress response will be severely
diminished which may ultimately lead to irreversible shock. |
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