Endocrine system
Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands are two small glands that sit on top of the kidneys. They make hormones including adrenaline and cortisol that help the body handle stress, control blood pressure and balance salts.
What it is
The adrenals are two small, triangular glands, one perched on each kidney, each with an outer cortex and inner medulla that make different hormones.
Where it is
On top of each kidney, in the upper back of the abdomen.
What it does
Produce hormones that manage the stress response (adrenaline and cortisol), regulate blood pressure and salt balance, and contribute small amounts of sex hormones.
How it works
The inner part releases adrenaline for the rapid "fight or flight" response. The outer part releases cortisol (which helps handle stress and controls metabolism) and aldosterone (which balances salt and water), guided by signals from the pituitary and kidneys.
When things go wrong
Common conditions affecting the adrenal glands
- Addison's disease (too little cortisol)
- Cushing's syndrome (too much cortisol)
- Adrenal tumours (such as phaeochromocytoma)
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms and is not a diagnosis. Sudden severe symptoms — such as severe chest pain, breathlessness or collapse — are an emergency; call 999.
Looking after it
Keeping your adrenal glands healthy
Adrenal conditions are specialist-managed; people on long-term steroid medicines need careful advice, as their adrenal glands can become reliant on them.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
The surge of adrenaline from these glands is what causes the racing heart and heightened alertness you feel when startled.
Answers
Adrenal Glands: frequently asked questions
What do the adrenal glands do?
The adrenal glands make hormones — including adrenaline and cortisol — that help the body respond to stress, control blood pressure and balance salts.
The endocrine system
Related organs
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Anatomy and body systems
- Gray's Anatomy for Students
- TeachMeAnatomy / TeachMePhysiology
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