In this article, we will discuss the functions of the adrenal glands, diseases, tests used to diagnose adrenal disorders and some common questions related to It.
What are the Adrenal glands?
Adrenal glands are located at the top of the kidneys with a triangular shape. They are part of the endocrine system and are responsible for the production of hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, adrenaline, noradrenaline etc. These hormones help to regulate metabolism, development of sexual characteristics, blood pressure, immune system etc. Adrenal glands are made up of two parts outer region called cortex and inner region called medulla.
What Are the Functions of the Adrenal Glands?
Adrenal glands have the function of releasing different hormones, and the functions of these hormones are discussed below:
Cortisol
This is the glucocorticoid hormone that plays an important role in the body's smooth functioning. This hormone has several types of functions like regulating blood pressure and increasing the sugar level. Supresses inflammation. The other functions include controlling the body's use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates and controlling the wake-sleep cycle. Cortisol is also released at times of stress to boost and handle emergencies.
Aldosterone
This hormone is a mineralocorticoid that helps to regulate the pH and blood pressure. It regulates the sodium and potassium levels in the blood, which is responsible for the pH of blood. These electrolytes help maintain blood pressure.
DHEA and androgenic steroids
These weak hormones have almost no biological impact. In males, they are converted into androgens and help with secondary sexual characteristics. In females, the ovaries convert these hormones into estrogen. Estrogen is a female hormone that helps with reproductive development, the menstrual cycle, and secondary sexual characteristics.
Adrenaline and noradrenaline
These hormones are also called epinephrine and norepinephrine or fight or flight hormones. These catecholamines are responsible for increasing heart rate, heart contractions, glucose metabolism, muscle blood flow, and vasoconstriction. These hormones are also released at times of stress to cope with emotionally stressful situations.
Which Diseases Are Related to the Adrenal Glands?
There are different types of diseases related to the adrenal glands, which include:
- Addison's disease
- Cushing's syndrome
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
- Hyperaldosteronism
- Pheochromocytoma
- Adrenal gland cancer
- Adrenal gland suppression
- Virilization
Which Tests Are Used for the Detection of Adrenal Gland Diseases?
There are various types of tests used for the diagnosis of adrenal gland diseases. These tests include:
- Blood tests (Book Now)
- ACTH stimulation test (Book Now)
- Cortisol test (Book Now)
- Hyperaldosteronism tests (Book Now)
- CT scan (Book Now)
- MRI scan (Book Now)
- Positron emission tomography (PET) (Book Now)
- MIBG scan (Book Now)
Conclusion
Adrenal glands are situated at the top of the kidneys, with a triangular shape and made up of cortex and medulla. The main function of these glands is to release hormones, that help in different biological activities like blood pressure, heart rate, metabolism, regulating blood sugar level etc. There are various tests that are used for the detection of adrenal gland diseases like CT, MRI, PET, blood tests, MIBG tests etc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Adrenal Gland?
The adrenal gland is located at the top of the kidneys responsible for releasing hormones. These hormones regulate the body's functioning like heartbeat, glucose level, metabolism etc.
What are the Functions of Adrenal Glands?
Adrenal glands produce different hormones and the functions of these hormones include maintaining blood glucose levels, metabolism, and muscle blood flow, some hormones after converting are responsible for the secondary sex characteristics of the person.
Which tests are used for Adrenal gland disease diagnosis?
Different types of tests are used to diagnose the adrenal glands including CT, MRI, PET, blood tests, MIBG etc.
Where will the Adrenal Glands Test in Delhi be done?
Patients can choose Ganesh Diagnostic Centre for any type of adrenal gland test with heavy discounts and quality results.
What is the ICD-10 code for an Adrenal Gland Disease Unspecified?
The ICD-10 code for unspecified adrenal gland disease is E27.9.
How to download the Adrenal Glands Report Online?
Patients can visit Ganesh's diagnostic website or call at 011-47-444-444 / 011-47-333-333 to download adrenal gland reports online.
