The adrenal glands are two small glands located at the upper pole of the kidneys. The adrenal gland consists of an inner part called the adrenal medulla and an outer part called the adrenal cortex. In the adrenal medulla, the catecholamines adrenaline and noradrenaline are produced and released during stress.
The adrenal cortex produces the hormones aldosterone, cortisol, and androgens (male sexual hormones). The production and release of cortisol are regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland (seeCushing’s diseaseandCushing’s syndrome ).
