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The Adrenal
Glands
The adrenal glands are located near the
cranial poles of the kidneys. Each is actually two glands - an outer
cortex wrapped around an inner medulla.
Adrenal cortex hormones: The adrenal cortex
produces three hormone groups:
 | Glucocorticoid hormones influence body
metabolism to generally increase the blood glucose level.
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| Mineralocorticoid hormones promote the
retention of sodium and the elimination of potassium from the
body.
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| Sex hormones - minor amounts of
androgens and estrogens are produced in the adrenal
cortex. |
Adrenal medulla hormones:
| epinephrine and norepinephrine
are produced in the adrenal medulla and released under the control
of the sympathetic nervous system as part of the "fight or flight"
response. |
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