The Meaning of Adrenal Gland

The adrenal gland plays a vital role in our body's response to stress and other physiological processes. It releases two primary hormones, epinephrine and norepinephrine, in response to stimulation from the sympathetic nervous system. This glandular extension of sympathetic effector fibers or postganglionic neurons is responsible for producing these hormones.

In some cases, adrenal lesions can represent benign nonfunctioning masses called adenomas, while others may be metastatic lesions in patients with a known primary malignant lesion. These lesions can affect a patient's blood pressure, steroid levels, and sugar levels. Most of the time, they are discovered during an examination for reasons unrelated to suspected adrenal disease.

The adrenal gland is composed of two parts: the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. The adrenal cortex produces glucocorticoids (cortisol), mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), and androgens (sex hormones). The adrenal medulla, on the other hand, is responsible for producing epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline), which affect blood pressure and bodily stress responses.

The two most common hormones produced by the adrenal gland are cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol has important effects on the heart, blood pressure, metabolism, and immune system, while aldosterone is necessary for fluid and electrolyte balance, affecting blood pressure. The adrenal glands also produce sex hormones that regulate sexual characteristics.

If you're interested in learning more about our providers who specialize in benign lesions of the adrenal gland, please review the Physicians & Faculty profiles listed at the bottom of this page. You can also request an appointment online or by phone to discuss your symptoms and concerns with one of our experts. Our phone staff are available Monday-Friday from 9AM-5PM (EST) to help you schedule an appointment.

Providers:

* Weill Cornell Medicine Urology - Lower Manhattan

* Weill Cornell Medicine Urology - Queens

* Weill Cornell Medicine Urology - Brooklyn

* Urologic Oncology Research Laboratories

* The Institute for Pediatric Urology Research Lab

* Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Microsurgery

* Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery Fellowship

* Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship

* Pediatric Kidney Health (Laparoscopic Nephrectomy)

* Neurogenic Bladder - Symptoms & Evaluation

* Urinary Incontinence - Treatment Options

* Urinary Incontinence - Symptoms & Evaluation

* Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis

Meaning of adrenal gland