Question
Question: Where are the Adrenal glands located? What is their function?...
Where are the Adrenal glands located? What is their function?
Solution
The basic work of endocrine glands is to release hormones in the bloodstream. This helps the hormones to travel to cells which are present in other parts of the body. The endocrine hormones help in controlling mood, growth. They also help in metabolism and reproduction. The endocrine system controls the quantity of each hormone which is to be released.
Complete solution:
Location of Adrenal glands: Adrenal glands are also known as suprarenal glands. These glands are basically found at the top of the two kidneys which are present in humans. The name "adrenal" itself means "near kidneys" in Latin. The inferior vena cava flanks the anterior of the right adrenal gland, while the right crus of diaphragm is surrounded by its posterior side. Similarly, the posterior side of the left adrenal is also surrounded by the left crus of the diaphragm.
Function of Adrenal glands: The adrenal gland plays a very crucial role in helping the body to come into action when it is faced with any kind of stressful situation. Further, it also forms a very intricate part of the hypothalamus, pituitary and the adrenal axis. As a result, this particular axis forms the cornerstone of the physiological relationship that plays a very crucial role in the body’s wellbeing.
(1) The cortisol which is released by the adrenal glands helps to increase the levels of glucose which is present in the nervous system, by breaking down proteins and fats to glucose in the liver.
(2) Also, the cortisol has high potent anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.
(3) The most important function of the adrenal glands is to launch the fight or the flight mode. When we get scared or get stressed or angry, and feel that our heart is beating fast, then it means that the adrenal glands are working.
Note:
Disorder of the adrenal cortex often leads to a disease in the organism. The deficiency of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids also cause Addison’s disease. Gynaecomastia is a critical condition which is caused when mammary glands become too enlarged in the males due to excessive secretion of estrogen.