Adrenal Gland
The adrenal gland is composed of two types of tissues, the centrally located tissue is called the adrenal medulla, and outside this lies the adrenal cortex. The adrenal medulla secretes two hormones( catecholamine) called adrenaline or epinephrine and noradrenaline or norepinephrine. These are also known as emergency hormones or hormones of Fight.
The function of these hormones is as follows:
- Facilitates the breakdown of glycogen, which results in an increased concentration of glucose in the blood.
- Increases the heartbeat, rate of respiration, increase alertness, pupillary dilation, piloerection (raising of hairs), sweating, etc.
Structure of Adrenal Gland
The adrenal cortex can be divided into three layers, called zona reticularis (inner layer), zona fasciculata (middle layer), and zona glomerulosa (outer layer). The adrenal cortex secretes many hormones that are known as corticoids, they are explained as follows:
- Corticoids carrying out carbohydrates metabolism is known as Glucocorticoid. It stimulates gluconeogenesis, lipolysis, and proteolysis, and inhibits cellular uptake and utilization of amino acids. It also helps
in maintaining the cardiovascular system and as well as kidney function. It suppresses the immune response and produces an anti-inflammatory reaction. It also stimulates RBC production. Example Cortisol. - Corticoids that regulate the balance of water and electrolytes in our body are called mineralocorticoids. It acts mainly at the renal tubules and stimulates the reabsorption of Na+ and water and the excretion of K+ and phosphate ions. Thereby, helping in the maintenance of electrolytes balance, body fluid volume, osmotic pressure, and blood pressure. For example, Aldosterone.
- The adrenal cortex also produces a small amount of Androgenic steroids which play a role in the growth of axial hair, pubic hair, and facial hair during puberty.
NCERT Notes for Class 11 Biology Chapter 19: Chemical Coordination and Integration
NCERT Notes Biology Class 11 Chapter 19 Chemical Coordination and Integration: The study of chemical coordination and Integration forms an important part of human physiology. Chemical coordination, integration, and regulations in the human body are carried out by special chemicals called hormones. Regulation, growth, and development of our organs, the endocrine glands, and cells are carried out by hormones.
Here, in Chapter 19 of Biology Class 11 NCERT Chemical Coordination and Integration, we will study the Human endocrine system, Hormones, and their mechanism of action.
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