Adrenal glands

A pair of small triangular endocrine glands (one above each kidney in animals) that are ductless and secrete hormones into the blood are called adrenal glands.

The glands are composed of two portions. The adrenal cortex, which forms an outer shell on each.And it is controlled by the pituitary gland. Responds to endocrine signals in reacting to stress and homeostatic conditions by (a) secreting steroid hor­mones. Steroid hor­mones deal with carbohydrate metabolism and with salt and water balance. Such as the

reabsorption of water by the kidneys, and (b) releas­ing androgens (male sex hormone) and estrogens (female sex hormone).

The adrenal cortex surrounds the central medulla.It is controlled by the nervous system, and responds to nervous inputs resulting from stress and produces adrenaline and noradrenaline.These are the hormones that increase blood sugar level and reduce body fat. The adrenal glands are also known as the suprarenal glands.