Suprarenal gland

The suprarenal glands (also known as adrenal glands) are endocrine glands that produce a variety of hormones including suprarenaline and the steroids aldosterone and cortisol.

They are found above the kidneys.

Each gland has an outer cortex which produces steroid hormones and an inner medulla.

The suprarenal cortex itself is divided into three main zones: the zona glomerulosa, the zona fasciculata and the zona reticularis.

The suprarenal cortex produces three main types of steroid hormones: mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens.

Mineralocorticoids (such as aldosterone) produced in the zona glomerulosa help in the regulation of blood pressure and electrolyte balance.

The glucocorticoids cortisol and cortisone are synthesized in the zona fasciculata; their functions include the regulation of metabolism and immune system suppression.

The innermost layer of the cortex, the zona reticularis, produces androgens that are converted to fully functional sex hormones in the gonads and other target organs.

The production of steroid hormones is called steroidogenesis, and involves a number of reactions and processes that take place in cortical cells.

The medulla produces the catecholamines, which function to produce a rapid response throughout the body in stress situations.

A number of endocrine diseases involve dysfunctions of the suprarenal gland.

Overproduction of cortisol leads to Cushing's syndrome, whereas insufficient production is associated with Addison's disease.

Congenital suprarenal hyperplasia is a genetic disease produced by dysregulation of endocrine control mechanisms.