How Do Adrenal Glands Function?
What Are the Adrenal Glands? The adrenal glands are part of the body’s endocrine system, a network of organs throughout the body that secrete hormones into the bloodstream. Hormones are chemicals that regulate the function of the body’s systems in many ways, including overall growth. The adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys. If you place your hands on your hips, fingers front and thumbs behind, the adrenal glands will be about 3 inches above your thumb tips, just behind the lowest ribs. Adrenal hormones are involved in several body functions, most notably in the “fight or flight” reflex and sexual function. All vertebrate mammals have adrenal glands. Adrenal Hormones The adrenal glands are actually two separate glands connected together. The inner part of the adrenal is the medulla; the outer part is the cortex. The two sections are formed from different precursor tissues in the embryo, and produce different hormones. The adrenal medulla produces two major hormone types: n
