What are Adrenal Glands?
Adrenal glands are triangular-shaped organs located on top of each kidney. They are primarily responsible for the release of hormones that have a stimulating effect on the heart, blood flow and dilation of arteries.
Each adrenal gland is divided into an outer cortex and an inner medulla. The adrenal cortex produces steroid hormones that maintain blood pressure and salt balance, among other things. The adrenal medulla is derived from nerve cells and is a source of catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline), which are “stress hormones” that increase alertness, strength and speed in an emergency.
