Nursing Times 117: 8, 54-58.Īuthors: Maria Andrade is honorary associate professor in biomedical science Zubeyde-Bayram Weston is senior lecturer in biomedical science John Knight is associate professor in biomedical science all at College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University. This article, the fourth in an eight-part series on the endocrine system, explores the anatomy and physiology of the adrenal glands, and describes how they regulate and coordinate vital physiological processes in the body through hormonal action.Ĭitation: Andrade M et al (2021) Endocrine system 4: adrenal glands. Endocrine System Adrenal Gland Procedures The endocrine system uses hormones to control and coordinate your body's internal metabolism (or homeostasis) energy level, reproduction, growth and development, and response to injury, stress, and environmental factors. Cortisol helps break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in your body.

They work with the hypothalamus and pituitary glands in the brain. The endocrine system consists of glands and tissues that produce and secrete hormones to regulate and coordinate vital bodily functions. Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands don’t make enough of the hormone cortisol. This article comes with a self-assessment enabling you to test your knowledge after reading it Adrenal gland secretes steroid hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone.

This article, the fourth in an eight-part series, looks at the adrenal glands. When adrenal glands produce excessive amounts of certain hormones, they are called 'overactive.' Symptoms and treatment depend on which hormones are being overproduced: Androgenic steroids (androgen hormones). The endocrine system comprises glands and tissues that produce hormones for regulating and coordinating vital bodily functions.

Hormone of adrenal gland