Updated By: LatestGKGS Desk
Endocrine gland: Adrenal Glands and Pineal Body, Hormones, location, functions
Adrenal and Pineal glands, their location in the body and functions
The body also has two triangular adrenals glands, one on top of each kidney. Adrenal glands, also known as a suprarenal gland. The outer part is called the adrenal cortex, and the inner part is called the adrenal medulla.
The outer part produces hormones called corticosteroids, which regulate the body's metabolism, the balance of salt and water in the body, the immune system, and sexual function. The inner part, or adrenal medulla, produces hormones called catecholamines (for example, adrenaline). These hormones help the body cope with physical and emotional stress by increasing the heart rate and blood pressure.
In humans, each adrenal gland weighs about 5 grams (0.18 ounce) and measures about 30 mm (1.2 inches) wide, 50 mm (2 inches) long, and 10 mm (0.4 inches) thick.
The secretion of cortisol and aldosterone is regulated by different mechanisms. The secretion of cortisol is regulated by the classical hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal feedback system.
The pineal gland (epiphysis) is a small reddish-grey body, about 8 mm. in length which lies in the depression between the superior colliculi.
The pineal gland is located in the middle of the brain. It secretes a hormone called melatonin, which may help regulate the wake-sleep cycle of the body.
