8) Your Adrenal Glands
Your adrenal gland are two glands that sit on top of your kidneys. Adrenals produce two main groups of hormones, glucocorticoids and mineralcorticoids, which are made in two separate areas, the adrenal medulla and the adrenal cortex.
The glucocorticoid cortisol (also called hydrocortisone) regulates your metabolism and your body's stress response. It converts carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy, and controls cardiovascular function and blood pressure.
The mineralocorticoid aldosterone, helps keep your blood pressure under control as it regulates levels of water and salt.
Corticosterone is another glucocorticoid which helps hydrocortisone to keep your immune response in balance, and decrease inflammatory reactions.
Sex hormones or steroids are produced by the adrenal medulla, though in much smaller quantities than the ovaries manufacture. The adrenal medulla also secretes the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline.
Adrenaline, also called epinephrine, increases heart rate and provides extra blood to brain and muscles.
Noradrenaline, also known as norepinephrine, helps with your stress response. It can also narrow blood vessels, which can lead to high blood pressure.
When your adrenal glands are not working properly, a number of illnesses and disorders, such as Addison’s disease, adrenal cancer, Cushing's disease and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, can arise.
Sources:
An Overview of the Adrenal Glands
http://www.endocrineweb.com/endocrinology/overview-adrenal-glands
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