Adrenal Gland Function

The adrenal glands are a small pair of glands that form a part of our body's endocrine system. These triangular shaped glands are located on the top of our kidneys. They comprise an external cortex and an interior medulla. As is the case with the other endocrine glands, the functions of adrenal glands also secrete hormones into the bloodstream. Secretion of these hormones is the most important adrenal gland function. These hormones play a vital role in the process of development and growth of our body.

Both the adrenal cortex and the medulla secrete hormones. Out of the several hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex, the most important ones include hormones such as aldosterone and cortisol. Hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine are produced by the medulla. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and some sexual hormones are also secreted by the adrenal gland. Since adrenal glands are anti-stress glands that help up cope with stress, our body's ability to deal with stressful situations is greatly affected due to adrenal gland malfunction. Wondering how does the adrenal gland function? Here's some information on how this gland works.

How Does the Adrenal Gland Function

The pituitary gland along with hypothalamus is responsible for providing the adrenal gland the required stimulus to secrete hormones. When the corticotropin-releasing hormones that are produced by the hypothalamus stimulate the pituitary gland, it gets activated and produces corticotropin hormones. It is these corticotropin hormones that stimulate the adrenal glands to produce corticosteroid hormones. As you are already aware, adrenal gland function involves the secretion of hormones that are vital for many bodily processes. Whenever we are faced with stressful situations, these adrenal glands spring into action and secrete the hormones to deal with stress. These help in preparing our body for responding to stress. As I mentioned earlier, both adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla secrete some vitally important hormones, here's some information on the hormones secreted by the adrenal gland and the functions performed by them.

Hormones Secreted by Adrenal Cortex

Aldosterone is one of the most important adrenal cortex hormones. It is categorized as a mineralocorticoid. It helps in maintaining the balance of water and salt in our body. Aldosterone helps in regulating the amount of sodium that is excreted into the urine. The production of aldosterone is regulated by the renin angiotensin. Whenever the blood pressure fluctuates or the balance of salt and water is disturbed, the kidney secretes renin. This triggers the production of angiotensin. Angiotensin stimulates the adrenal glands to release the aldosterone hormone. Aldosterone prevents the kidneys from filtering excess amounts of salt into the urine. Even when one is suffering from dehydration, aldosterone is released in order to maintain the balance of salt in the body. Thus, aldosterone helps in maintaining the blood pressure.

We live in an age where we are constantly faced with stress in our lives. Adrenal glands are the anti-stress glands which help our body deal with stress. Release of cortisol is our body's own way of combating stress. The adrenal cortex releases corticosteroids that help our body to deal with stressful situations. The secretion of cortisol is controlled by the pituitary gland. Whenever we are stressed out, the adrenal glands release cortisol. Not only does it raise the blood sugar and blood pressure levels, it also strengthens the immune system. When there is a dip in the cortisol levels, it is indicative of a decreased adrenal gland function. A person with low adrenal gland function or adrenal fatigue becomes quite vulnerable to developing conditions such as low blood pressure, hypoglycemia and allergies. Those suffering from low adrenal gland function generally experience fatigue and recurrent infections. Their ability to handle stressful situations also gets adversely affected.

Hormones Secreted by Adrenal Medulla

Adrenal medulla is the core of the adrenal gland. Epinephrine and norepinephrine are some of the hormones secreted by the adrenal medulla. Epinephrine or adrenaline facilitates the conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver. I am sure you might have heard of a term called 'adrenaline rush'. This term is used for referring to the adrenal gland function in a fight/flight response. When the adrenal gland release adrenaline, the force of heart contractions and the heart rate increases considerably. The effects of epinephrine also include an increased flow of blood to the muscles and brain. Due to the release of epinephrine, the muscles are able to perform respiration a higher rate. Norepinephrine is also a stress hormone that helps in increasing heart rate and prepares the body for a fight/flight response. As a drug, it plays a vital role in suppressing neuro-inflammation.

So, this was some information on adrenal gland function. Now that you are aware of the important functions performed by the adrenal gland, I am sure you can understand what will happen if the adrenal gland function is adversely affected. Adrenal gland malfunction can make one vulnerable to several health problems. The ability to deal with stress will be greatly reduced. Adrenal problems such as an enlarged adrenal gland, adrenal fatigue and adrenal insufficiency can give rise to several problems. People experiencing symptoms of an adrenal gland disorder must consult a doctor soon.