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The type of issue you have and the degree to which it affects your body's hormone levels determine the symptoms. [2] The adrenal gland produces hormones that affects growth, development and stress, and also helps to regulate kidney function. There are two parts of the adrenal glands, the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla.
The adrenal glands are directly below the diaphragm, and are attached to the crura of the diaphragm by the renal fascia. [11] Each adrenal gland has two distinct parts, each with a unique function, the outer adrenal cortex and the inner medulla, both of which produce hormones. [12]
Aldosterone is the main mineralocorticoid steroid hormone produced by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex in the adrenal gland. [4] [5] It is essential for sodium conservation in the kidney, salivary glands, sweat glands, and colon. [6]
On top of each kidney is an adrenal gland. The upper parts of the kidneys are partially protected by the 11th and 12th ribs. Each kidney, with its adrenal gland is surrounded by two layers of fat: the perirenal fat present between renal fascia and renal capsule and pararenal fat superior to the renal fascia.
Common use of medications include drugs that suppress cortisol production in the adrenal gland by inhibiting 11-beta hydroxylase. Ketoconazole and metyrapone fall under this drug category. [19] Besides mediating the function of adrenal glands, medications may also be given to destroy the gland internally for hyperadrenalism to lower hormone levels.
At the end of the eighth week, the adrenal glands have been encapsulated and have formed a distinct organ above the developing kidneys. At birth, the adrenal glands weigh approximately eight to nine grams (twice that of the adult adrenal glands) and are 0.5% of the total body weight.
Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones.The adrenal glands—also referred to as the adrenal cortex—normally secrete glucocorticoids (primarily cortisol), mineralocorticoids (primarily aldosterone), and androgens.
High aldosterone levels can lead to lowered levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia) and increased hydrogen ion excretion . Aldosterone is normally produced in the adrenal glands. Primary aldosteronism is when the adrenal glands are too active and produce excess amounts of aldosterone.