Microscopic view of the adrenal cortex: The layers of the adrenal gland cortex, zona glomerulosa (ZG), fasciculata (ZF), and reticularis (ZR), responsible to produce aldosterone, cortisol, and sex steroid hormone. The three layers of the adrenal cortex are: The adrenal cortex also makes small amounts of sex hormones but this only becomes important if overproduction is present (most sex hormones are produced by the testes and ovaries). The adrenal cortex produces a handful of hormones necessary for fluid and electrolyte (salt) balance in the body such as cortisol and aldosterone.

Adrenaline as we call it generically can be broken down into two different hormones that the adrenal medulla produces: epinephrine and norepinepherine. (yes, adrenaline is called this because it comes from the adrenal gland). This is the 'fight-or-flight' symptoms and it is caused by the sudden release of adrenaline from our adrenal glands. All of a sudden we have tingles and we feel like we need to run away or stand up and fight. We have all experienced that sudden panic feeling and anxiety when something happens suddenly and unexpectedly and we get scared. The adrenal medulla is responsible for producing catecholamines, or adrenaline type hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. Each gland consists of a medulla (the center of the gland) which is surrounded by the cortex. They are triangular-shaped and about the size and color of a fortune cookie. We have two adrenal glands located on the top of both kidneys.

The Adrenal Medulla and Cortex Produce Very Different Hormones. The adrenal medulla produces hormones involved in the fight-or-flight response (catecholamines, or adrenaline type hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine). The adrenal cortex produces hormones that controls sex (androgens, estrogens), salt balance in the blood (aldosterone), and sugar balance (cortisol). Cushing Syndrome: Primary HypercortisolismĪdrenal glands produce hormones required for healthy life.Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn Syndrome Tumors).Conn's Syndrome: Primary Hyperaldosteronism.

Adrenal cortex located