Prolonged stimulation of this zone can lead to its hypertrophy. Both these two chemicals will increase the synthesis of aldosterone. The production of aldosterone is controlled by extracellular fluid concentrations of angiotens in II and potassium. The zona glomerulosa – this constitutes about 25% of the adrenal cortex, and it is where aldosterone is produced – this region contains the enzyme aldosterone synthase.Image modified from original images taken from SMART by Servier Medical Art by Servier and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License Anatomy Location of the adrenal gland – on top of the kidneys. They are not particularly important, except in disease of the adrenal glands where their hypersecretion can result in masculization. Androgens – these are sex hormones that exhibit similar effects to testosterone.cortisol – so called due to their effects on glucose metabolism – however they also have important effects on protein and fat metabolism. They particularly effect sodium and potassium.

aldosterone – these are so called because they effect the ‘minerals’ (electrolytes) of the blood. There are three types of corticosteroid:.

The corticosteroids are all synthesised from cholesterol, and have similar chemical formulas.

The cortex secretes an entirely different type of hormone – corticosteroids.

These two hormones cause almost the exact same effects on body tissues as direct sympathetic stimulation itself does.

The medulla – is directly connected to the sympathetic nervous system, and will secrete adrenaline and noradrenaline in response to sympathetic stimulation.

They weight about 4g, and have a medulla and a cortex, like the kidneys themselves.

The adrenal glands are also sometimes known as suprarenal glands.

For more information on mechanisms of blood pressure regulation, secretion of ions, and other effects related to the action of mineralocorticoids, please see the control of renal function. This article looks at adrenal physiology and explains the production and effects of adrenal products.

Cortisol produced by adrenal cortex