Abstract
The adrenal glands are endocrine organs located in the abdominal cavity directly above the kidneys. Each gland consists of an inner adrenal medulla encased by the outer adrenal cortex. The adrenal cortex is responsible for the synthesis and release of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, and is an additional source of androgens in humans. These hormones are important for maintaining homeostasis and influence mood, reproduction, and behavior. The adrenal medulla is responsible for the synthesis and release of the catecholamines, norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E). The catecholamines play important roles in arousal and memory formation.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | The Curated Reference Collection in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Psychology |
Publisher | Elsevier Science Ltd. |
Pages | 30-36 |
Number of pages | 7 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780128093245 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2016 |
Keywords
- Adrenal cortex
- Adrenal gland
- Adrenal medulla
- Catecholamines
- Circadian rhythm
- Cortisol
- Epinephrine
- Glucocorticoids
- Metabolism
- Mineralocorticoids
- Mood
- Norepinephrine
- Reproduction
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine