Definition

Adrenal glands are triangular-shaped glands located on top of the kidneys. They produce hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, steroids, cortisol, and cortisone, and chemicals such as adrenalin (epinephrine), norepinephrine, and dopamine. When the glands produce more or less hormones than required by the body, disease conditions may occur.

Endocrine glands
Adrenal glands

Information

Related topics:

• Cushing's syndrome
• Hirsutism
• Primary aldosteronism
• Addison's disease
• Hypoglycemia
• Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome
• Adrenal insufficiency

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Review Date:8/1/2005
Reviewed By: Nikheel S. Kolatkar, MD, Clinical and Research Fellow, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.