Specialized cells in the kidney, which form the juxtaglomerular apparatus, are very sensitive to changes in blood pressure - well placed for this function by being wrapped around arterioles. The amount of aldosterone produced is controlled by other substances, including a protein from the kidney known as renin. Aldosterone,īy acting on the kidneys, controls the salt content of the body - by which means it also indirectly controls the blood pressure. The cells which make up all of these regions are full of lipid droplets containing cholesterol, which can be converted into the steroid hormones. The first of these regions produces the steroid aldosterone, while another steroid hormone, cortisol, is produced by the other two regions. Is known now to have three distinct regions: the zona glomerulosa, zone fasciculata, and zona reticularis. Fifty years later, a Guy's Hospital physician, Thomas Addison, showed that the adrenal glands were necessary for life, by identifying them as the site of damage in a previously mysterious and ultimately fatal illness, which became known as Addison's disease. Their presence was recognized as early as the late sixteenth century, but it was not until 1805 that Cuvier reported that the adrenal was made up of two regions, the cortex on the outside and an inner medulla. They are pyramidal in shape and weigh about 4 g each.
Learn more about the endocrine system and the different hormones released by the endocrine glands.Adrenal glands There are two adrenal glands, one sitting on top of each of the kidneys. Symptoms can include early puberty in boys and male features in girls.Ĭonn’s syndrome, also known as primary hyperaldosteronism, is a condition in which one or both adrenal glands produce more of the hormone aldosterone than normal, leading to high blood pressure. You might also have fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, depression, cravings, irregular menstruation or low blood pressure.Ĭongenital adrenal hyperplasia is an inherited group of conditions in which the adrenal glands produce excess male sex hormones. If you have Addison’s disease, you will have a poor appetite and lose weight. Cushing's syndrome is usually caused by taking steroid medication for a long time, but it can sometimes be caused by a tumour of the adrenal gland.Īddison’s disease is caused by the adrenal glands failing to make enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone.
This causes a variety of problems, such as weight gain, a flushed face, bruising and diabetes. What medical conditions are related to the adrenal glands?Ĭushing's syndrome is a condition where the body has too much cortisol.
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