Endocrine Glands

Endocrine glands release hormones (chemical messengers) into the bloodstream to be transported to various organs and tissues throughout the body. For instance, the pancreas secretes insulin, which allows the body to regulate levels of sugar in the blood. The thyroid gets instructions from the pituitary to secrete hormones which determine the pace of chemical activity in the body (the more hormone in the bloodstream, the faster the chemical activity; the less hormone, the slower the activity).

Adrenal Metastases, CT Scan

This CT scan of the upper abdomen shows an adrenal metastasis (spreading of a tumor to the adrenal gland, above the kidney) in a person with lung cancer.

Adrenal Tumor - CT

CT scan of the upper abdomen in a person with a right adrenal mass. The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys.

Adrenal Tumor, Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

This X-ray shows a tumor of the adrenal gland, which is located above the kidney. A dye that is visible on X-rays has been injected into the blood stream (the procedure is called an intravenous pyelogram; IVP).

Adrenal Gland Hormone Secretion

Adrenal glands produce hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, steroids, cortisol, and cortisone, and chemicals such as adrenalin (epinephrine), norepinephrine, and dopamine. When the glands produce more or less hormones than required by the body, disease conditions may occur.