![]() These cells secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream, and have the general effect of preparing the body for fight or flight. The adrenal medulla is the central portion of the adrenal gland composed of chromaffin cells, which are modified postganglionic sympathetic neurons. ACTH then stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce the hormone cortisol. The HPA axis involves the stimulation of hormone release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary by the hypothalamus. The adrenal cortex, as a component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, secretes steroid hormones important for the regulation of the long-term stress response, blood pressure and blood volume, nutrient uptake and storage, fluid and electrolyte balance, and inflammation. (Image credit: "The Adrenal Glands" by Jennifer Lange is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 includes section of "Slagter - Drawing Anatomy of the kidney, adrenal glands and bladder - no labels" by Ron Slagter, license: CC BY-NC-SA.) The cortex can be subdivided into additional zones. ![]() Both adrenal glands sit atop the kidneys and are composed of an outer cortex and an inner medulla, all surrounded by a connective tissue capsule.
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