The body has two triangular adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney.
The adrenals work with the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland by
stimulating the adrenals to produce corticosteroid hormones. The
adrenal glands consist of two parts, each one producing a set of
hormones which has a different function. The adrenal cortex, which is
the outer part, produces hormones called corticosteroids directly into
the blood stream which help regulate the salt and water balance in the
body. The cortex also controls the body’s use of fats, proteins, and
carbohydrates. The adrenal medulla, which is the inner part of the
gland, is not essential for life but secretes epinephrine which increases
blood pressure and the heart rate when under stress – also called
adrenaline.