The location of the adrenal gland is shown in figure 1.įigure 2: Adrenal Cortex and Adrenal Medulla The corticosterone regulates the immune responses of the body along with the cortisol. It also controls blood pressure and the cardiovascular system. Cortisol regulates the metabolism of the body in response to the stress. The two types of glucocorticoid hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex are hydrocortisone (cortisol) and corticosterone. The ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce and secrete glucocorticoid hormones. The corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), produced by the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland to release the adrenal corticotrophic hormone (ACTH). The release of mineralocorticoids is mediated by signals of the kidney. The release of the glucocorticoids is mediated by pituitary gland and hypothalamus. It produces two major groups of hormones: glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. The adrenal cortex is the outer part of the adrenal gland. Key Terms: ACTH, Adrenal Cortex, Adrenal Gland, Adrenal Medulla, Adrenaline, Aldosterone, Cortisol, Noradrenaline, Sympathetic Nervous System What is the Difference Between Adrenal Cortex and Adrenal Medulla What are the Similarities Between Adrenal Cortex and Adrenal MedullaĤ.

The main difference between adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla is that adrenal cortex helps to release energy from proteins and fats for chronic responses whereas adrenal medulla helps to mediate acute responses. The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine.

The adrenal cortex secretes glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens. Both adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla produce and secrete hormones. The outermost layer of the adrenal gland is called the adrenal cortex, and the innermost layer of the adrenal gland is called adrenal medulla. The adrenal gland consists of distinct zones or layers of cells. Main Difference – Adrenal Cortex vs Adrenal MedullaĪdrenal glands are situated on top of the kidney.

Adrenal medulla function