The adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney. Each gland has an outer cortex that secretes steroid hormones and an inner medulla that secretes epinephrine. The adrenal medulla (inner core) produces epinephrine in “fight-or-flight” responses to sympathetic innervation from the hypothalamus. The adrenal cortex (outer layer) produces two types of steroid hormones: mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids. Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone) is produced in response to angiotensin II to conserve water in the kidneys. Glucocorticoids (cortisol) are produced in response to ACTH from the anterior pituitary during stress to mobilize energy reserves. Cortisol raises blood glucose levels and is anti-inflammatory.
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