The Adrenal Glands

Definition

The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped glands located on top of each kidney that produce a variety of hormones critical for regulating bodily functions such as metabolism, immune response, blood pressure, and stress responses. These hormones include cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline.

Related terms

Cortisol: A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in stress response, metabolism regulation, and inflammation reduction.

Aldosterone: A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate blood pressure by controlling sodium and potassium levels in the blood.

Adrenaline (Epinephrine): A hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that increases heart rate, muscle strength, blood pressure, and sugar metabolism during stress or excitement for a "fight or flight" response