The adrenal medulla can be considered specialized ganglia of the sympathetic nervous system, lacking distinct synapses, instead releasing secretions directly into the blood. These water-soluble hormones, derived from the amino acid tyrosine, are part of the fight-or-flight response initiated by the sympathetic nervous system. The chromaffin cells of the medulla are the body's main source of the catecholamine hormones adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). Adrenal medulla As its name suggests, the adrenal medulla is the central core of the adrenal gland, surrounded by the adrenal cortex.The adrenal gland is separated into two distinct structures, both of which receive regulatory input from the nervous system: In humans, the adrenal glands are found at the level of the 12th thoracic vertebra and receive their blood supply from the adrenal arteries. They are chiefly responsible for regulating the stress response through the synthesis of corticosteroids and catecholamines, including cortisol and adrenaline.Īnatomically, the adrenal glands are located in the thoracic abdomen situated atop the kidneys, specifically on their anterosuperior aspect. In mammals, the adrenal glands (also known as suprarenal glands) are the triangle-shaped endocrine glands that sit on top of the kidneys their name indicates that position ( ad-, 'near' or 'at' + -renes, 'kidneys'). Risk calculators and risk factors for Adrenal glandĮditor-In-Chief: C. US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on Adrenal glandĭirections to Hospitals Treating Adrenal gland Ongoing Trials on Adrenal gland at Clinical Ĭlinical Trials on Adrenal gland at Google Articles on Adrenal gland in N Eng J Med, Lancet, BMJ

The adrenal gland is located