Even though there is a slight overlap in what each zone produces, it is generally recognized that each zone produces the majority of specific hormones for that region. The adrenal cortex has three different zones, which are identified as zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculate & zona reticularis. The amount of cortisol and DHEA may initially be increased by different forms of stress, but the levels my decrease if stress is prolonged or too intense. The adrenal cortex is the outermost layer, which makes steroid hormones such as progesterone, DHEA and cortisol. The amount of epinephrine and norepinephrine that are released may be increased by different forms of stress.

These two hormones are also known as adrenalin and noradrenaline respectively, and are also referred to as catecholamines or as neurotransmitters, because small amounts are also produced by the nervous system. The adrenal medulla is the innermost core of the adrenal gland, which produces and releases the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine. Each adrenal gland has two different regions, the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. The amount of those hormones changes due to a response to stress. The adrenal glands produce a specific amount of very important hormones on a daily basis to promote general health, and maintain the processes involved in homeostasis. There are two adrenal glands, one at the top of each kidney. We can now learn how stress affects the various regions and zones of the adrenal glands. The previous article about adrenal stress and adaptation discussed the concepts of stress, homeostasis and allostasis. Structure and Hormones of the Adrenal Glands

Hormones from adrenal medulla