ABSTRACT

The adrenal glands are situated immediately above the kidneys, and are composed of an outer cortex and an inner medulla. The cortex produces corticosteroids (e.g., cortisol, aldosterone, and small amounts of the sex steroids), and the medulla produces catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine and norepinephrine). Cortisol is a glucocorticoid involved in glucose homeostasis, while aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid involved with electrolyte balance. The catecholamines help to produce the “fight or flight” response (Chs. 32-35).