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In addition to regulating sodium and potassium levels in the blood and other extracellular fluids, mineralocorticoids also help control body temperature.The adrenal gland has the following functions: Metabolizing catecholamines like norepinephrine, epinephrine, and adrenaline, the medullary chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla synthesize postganglionic sympathetic cells.įunctionsThe adrenal gland produces hormones that are responsible for its functions. Within blood-filled capillaries and sinusoids, the adrenal medulla is composed of medullary chromaffin cells. While the adrenal cortex is made of muscle tissue, the adrenal medulla is composed of neural tissue that makes up the sympathetic nervous system during embryonic development. The region produces mostly glucocorticoids, but some species also make androgens, which are sex steroids.Īdrenal medullaThe adrenal medulla is comprised primarily of the adrenal cortex, while the adrenal medulla accounts for a small proportion of the overall glandular volume. The zona reticularis consists of polyhedral cells arranged in nests or clumps of the linear or round shape. Glucocorticoids are produced in this zone. A column of secretory cells surrounds a mass of capillaries. In the cortex, there is a zone known as the zona fasciculata, which is the middle and thickest zone. A hormone called aldosterone is produced by the adrenal cortex's zona glomerulosa. An outermost zone of the body consists of an arched, thin layer of columnar cells in the zona glomerulosa. The glomerulus is separated into three main zones zona fasciculata, zona glomerulosa, and zona reticularis. In addition to a fibrous capsule, the glands are cushioned by fat that protects them from shocks internally.Īdrenal cortexOf the adrenal glands' glandular epithelium, the adrenal cortex is the more important part. Generally, the glands are pyramid-shaped, but the exact shape may vary from person to person depending on age and health. Adrenal gland StructureIn addition to each kidney, two adrenal glands are atop each of them, hence the term suprarenal glands.