Adrenal Glands:
These are glands that are located on top of the kidneys. Each adrenal gland is like a crown on top of each kidney and weighs around four to five grams. The adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol and sex hormones. The hormones that adrenal glands produce act as messengers. These hormones travel into the bloodstream and act on the tissues of the body in order to initiate certain functions. The hormone cortisol is secreted in response to stress. Apart from cortisol, the adrenal gland releases three hormones namely mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and adrenal androgens. Underactive or overactive adrenal glands can lead to Addison’s and Cushing’s disease respectively. These conditions can in turn lead to obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
