mellékvesé

Mellékvese refers to the adrenal glands in Hungarian. These are two small, triangular-shaped endocrine glands situated on top of each kidney. Each adrenal gland consists of two distinct regions: the outer cortex and the inner medulla.

The adrenal cortex produces steroid hormones, including corticosteroids. These hormones play vital roles in regulating metabolism, immune function, blood pressure, and stress response. Examples include cortisol, which helps manage stress and metabolism, and aldosterone, which regulates blood pressure and electrolyte balance.

The adrenal medulla, located at the center of the gland, produces catecholamines, primarily adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). These hormones are crucial for the body's "fight or flight" response, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels in times of stress or excitement.

Dysfunction of the adrenal glands can lead to various medical conditions. Overproduction of hormones, such as in Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol) or Conn's syndrome (excess aldosterone), or underproduction, as seen in Addison's disease (insufficient cortisol and aldosterone), require medical attention. The adrenal glands are essential for maintaining homeostasis and responding to environmental changes.