Adrenals (Suprenals):

Origin: It has 2 parts:-

1.Adrenal Cortex: arise from mesoderm of embryo.         

2.Adrenal Medulla: Arise from ectoderm of embryo.

Location: Lies at top of each kidneys & occur in a pair.

Adrenal Cortex	Adrenal Medulla
1.       It secretes 3 hormones -          Mineralocorticoids -          Glucocorticoids -          Sexcorticoids 2.       Their deficiency causes diseases. 3.       It is hard part of adrenal gland.	1.       It secretes 2 similar hormones -          Noradrenaline -          Adrenaline 2.       Their does not cause any type of disorder. 3.       It is soft part of adrenal gland.

 

Hormones secreted by adrenal cortex:-

1.Mineral corticoids:- maintain water and salt balance in body fluids & also blood volume.

When Na⁺ (sodium) ion level decreases or K⁺ (potassium) ion level increases than mineral corticoid. It increases re-absorption of Na⁺ and increases Na⁺/K⁺ level. It also increases reabsorption of water from urine and increases the level of water in blood.

2.Glucocorticoids:- It converts the excess protein, carbohydrates and fats into glucose into glucose and increase blood-glucose level. Ex- (Cartisol) So, it controls carbohydrate, fats and protein metabolism.

3.Sex corticoids:- They are sex hormones that are released more in male then in females. In male testosterone is released. And in females estrogen and progesterone is released.

Diseases caused due to improper functioning of adrenal Cortex:-

Addisons disease:- Caused by deficiency of mineral corticoids. Symptoms include weight loss, weakness hausea (feeling of vomiting), diarrhea, vomiting.

Aldosteronism: It is caused by excess of aldoterone high blood pressure is caused & high Na⁺ concentration in plasma.

Hormones released by adrenal Madulla:-

Adrenaling (Epinephrine):- At the time of stress or danger, adrenal medulla releases epinephrine & norepinephrine. AT the time of stress, our body need more energy which is provided by increasing heart beat, blood pressure, respiratory rate, sugar level of blood all conditions are provided by epinephrine and norepinephrine. They also stimulate the breakdown of liver and muscle glucogen into glucose to provide energy. Also decreases the clotting time of blood to stop bleeding.

This role of adrenaline and Noradrenaline is called Fight or Flight reaction. It prepares body for stress or danger. Like before exam our face turns red or cold sweating heads etc.

For this function, this adrenal gland is called glands of emergency.