As the two anatomical divisions of the adrenal gland, the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla share a common feature in that both:

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11ecba2d_1015_c706_a3bf_915277d57685_MD0008_00 The adrenal glands are endocrine organs located on top of the kidneys that secrete hormones mediating the stress response (physiological changes that allow the body to cope with and react to physical, social, and emotional stressors). The adrenal cortex secretes the hormones cortisol and aldosterone, and the adrenal medulla secretes the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine. Aldosterone, secreted from the adrenal cortex, stimulates Na⁺ reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to increased water retention due to osmosis. Increased water retention increases blood volume, which in turn leads to an increase in blood pressure. Norepinephrine and epinephrine, secreted from the adrenal medulla, function to mobilize the body under extreme stress and promote rapid information processing in part by maximizing blood flow to organs essential for survival. Norepinephrine and epinephrine achieve this effect by promoting the following changes in blood vessel diameter that lead to altered blood pressure: Vasoconstriction (narrowing) of blood vessels supplying the intestines, kidney, and other abdominal organs decreases blood flow to these organs and conserves oxygen/nutrients for other tissues. Vasodilation (widening) of blood vessels leading to the heart and skeletal muscles increases oxygen/nutrient delivery to these organs. In general, the hormones secreted from both the adrenal medulla and cortex function to alter blood pressure. (Choice A) The adrenal cortex synthesizes and secretes lipophilic hormones derived from cholesterol, otherwise known as steroid hormones. However, the adrenal medulla secretes the peptide hormones norepinephrine and epinephrine, which are derived from amino acids (not cholesterol). (Choice B) Endocrine glands such as the adrenal gland secrete hormones into the blood vessels, not lymph vessels. Adrenal hormones are distributed throughout the body via the circulatory system. (Choice C) In response to low oxygen levels, the hormone erythropoietin is released from the kidneys (not the adrenal glands) and acts on the bone marrow to stimulate red blood cell production. Educational objective: Each adrenal gland is composed of two anatomically distinct regions: the adrenal medulla and the adrenal cortex. Both regions secrete hormones that regulate blood pressure and allow the body to respond to stressors.

As the Two Anatomical Divisions of the Adrenal Gland, the Adrenal