Adrenal Cortex
Adrenal glands are also called suprarenal glands. There are two adrenal glands one on the top of each kidney. Internally the adrenal gland is divisible into outer cortex and inner medulla. Adrenal cortex Adrenal cortex is divided into three zones : the zona glomerulosa, the zona fasciculata and the zona reticularis. Produces three main types of steroid hormones : mineralcorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens. Mineralcorticoids produced in zona glomerulosa help in regulation of blood pressure and electrolite balance. Glucocorticoids affect carbohydrate metabolism. It stimulates the liver to synthesise carbohydrates from non carbohydrates such as amino acids and proteins. It is synthesized by zona fasciculata. Androgens are secreted by zona reticularis which play a role in the growth of axial hair, pubic hair and facial hair during puberty. Adrenal Medulla The medulla secreted two hormones :- 1. Norepinephrine or noradrenaline 2. Epinephrine or adrenaline