Aldosterone
Adrenal glands release the steroid hormone aldosterone. Aldosterone is classified as a mineralocorticoid since it is the main regulator of the body’s salt and water balance. Additionally, it somewhat affects how proteins, carbs, and lipids are metabolised. Corticosterone, a steroid produced from cholesterol, is used by the body to make aldosterone. The renin-angiotensin system controls aldosterone synthesis in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex, which occurs in adults at a rate of 20–200 micrograms each day. In reaction to changes in blood pressure, volume, and plasma sodium and potassium levels, the kidneys release renin. Angiotensinogen, a plasma-circulating protein, is broken down into angiotensin I by the action of renin. Angiotensin I is then changed into angiotensin II, which prompts the adrenal glands to release aldosterone. Aldosterone’s biological activity increases salt and water retention while increasing the kidneys’ excretion of potassium (and to a lesser extent by the skin and intestines). It works by attaching to and turning on a receptor in the renal tubular cells’ cytoplasm. Following this, the active receptor prompts the renal tubular cells to produce more ion channels, boosting potassium excretion through the urine and sodium reabsorption into the blood.
Functions
Androgens benefit all genders in that they:
- bone thickness
- growth of muscle
- Puberty
- formation of red blood cells
- sexual arousal and activity
What function do androgens serve in males?
Androgens support: in those who were born with a male gender preference (AMAB)
- low voice (vocal cord lengthening)
- growth of hair on the genitalia, chest, underarms, and scalp
- development of sperm
What function do androgens serve in women?
Other bodily molecules transform testosterone into estradiol, a type of oestrogen, in people who were designated female at birth (AFAB). It’s a hormone:
- controls menstruation
- helps in pregnancy and fertilisation.
- reduces bone loss (osteoporosis).
- encourages the growth of pubic and underarm hair.
Adrenal Gland
The right lobes of the liver and the inferior vena cava are located on the front side of the adrenal gland which would be on right. The right diaphragm crus is attached to the posterior side. The front side of the adrenal gland which would be on left is where the stomach, pancreas, and spleen are located. The left diaphragmatic crus is attached to the posterior aspect.