What is the most important function of the adrenal gland?
In the endocrine system, the most important function is the adrenal function for the production and excretion of hormones. Each adrenal gland can be considered two separate glands. Adrenal Medulla primarily excludes epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, which prepares the body for the so -called flight or combat reaction. The adrenal cortex produces a class of hormones called steroids that are released in response to states such as anxiety or reduced food supply. All these hormones help the body deal with stressful situations, which is an important function of the adrenal gland.
The production of epinephrine and norepinephrine, which occurs in the adrenal medulle, is the main function of the adrenal gland. Epinephrin plays a number of roles in preparing the body to deal with dangerous situations. It causes heart to pump more blood into skeletal muscles and reduces blood flow to organs that do not participate in physical activity. Moving resources to the muscles under voluntary control has prepared for physical exercise that could include fighting or escape. EpiNephrin also releases some of the fats in the body to provide additional energy in such situations.
Norepinephrine is produced in less than epinephrine. It is actually an epinephrine precursor, but has its own effects. Norepinephrine can be called noradrenaline in contexts where epinephrine is called adrenaline.
The adrenal cortex has a somewhat different adrenal function. It produces three types of hormones, all of which are steroids. This is called glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids and androgens.
glucocorticoids have a number of effects on inflammation, metabolism and development. The most important glucocorticoid is cortisol. In stressful situations, cortisol directs muscles and organs to use proteins and fats for energy instead of the usual glucose. Cortisol also reduces inflammation and is similar to drug cortisone. Cortison reduces hyperactive froman inflammatory reaction in autoimmune disorders.
Mineralocorticoids are produced in the largest amounts. This hormone is released in response to a decrease in blood pressure that occurs in the case of bleeding. It also helps the body to save water in cases such as diarrhea, which limits dehydration.
The adrenal hormone class known as androgens support secondary characteristics in sexual development. In women, this leads to the development of hair hair and plays a role in sexual behavior. In men, this adrenal function is much less important because the main androgens are produced.