23. The adrenal glands
23. The adrenal glands
- Gillian Pocock, Gillian PocockSenior Lecturer in Clinical Science, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK
- Christopher D. RichardsChristopher D. RichardsEmeritus Professor of Experimental Physiology, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- and David A. RichardsDavid A. RichardsAssociate Professor, Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Husson University School of Pharmacy, Bangor, Maine, USA
Abstract
This chapter looks at adrenal glands. These have distinct endocrine functions. For example, the adrenal medulla secretes the catecholamines adrenaline and noradrenaline in response to activation of its sympathetic nerve supply. The chapter looks at how the adrenal medulla acts as part of the sympathetic nervous system. Its hormones are concerned with the body's very rapid responses to acute stress. The adrenal cortex secretes three classes of steroid hormones: glucocorticoid hormones, mineralocorticoid hormones, and sex steroids. The chapter refers to cortisol, the principal glucocorticoid, which has a wide range of metabolic effects, while aldosterone, the principal mineralocorticoid, is crucial to the maintenance of normal body fluid volume and composition. The chapter looks at the important actions of the catecholamines and the adrenal corticosteroid hormones.
