The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped glands located on top of each kidney. They are part of the endocrine system and are responsible for producing hormones that help regulate metabolism, immune system, and stress response.

Anatomy of Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands are composed of two main parts: the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla.

Adrenal Cortex

The adrenal cortex is the outer layer of the adrenal gland and is responsible for producing hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens. These hormones play a role in regulating metabolism, blood pressure, and the body's response to stress.

Adrenal Medulla

The adrenal medulla is the inner part of the adrenal gland and is responsible for producing hormones called catecholamines, such as epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. These hormones play a role in the body's "fight or flight" response, helping to increase heart rate, dilate airways, and mobilize energy stores for quick use.

Functions of Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands play a crucial role in several bodily functions, including:

Regulating metabolism
Regulating blood pressure
Helping the body respond to stress
Regulating the immune system
Regulating the body's fluid and electrolyte balance

Common Disorders of Adrenal Glands

Some common disorders related to the adrenal glands include:

Cushing's syndrome: caused by excessive cortisol production
Addison's disease: caused by insufficient production of cortisol and aldosterone
Adrenal tumors: benign or malignant growths in the adrenal glands

Study Guide

Describe the anatomy of the adrenal glands.
Explain the functions of the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla.
List the hormones produced by the adrenal glands and their roles in the body.
Discuss the role of adrenal glands in the body's stress response.
Identify and explain common disorders related to the adrenal glands.

◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Sixth Grade. Our impact on earth

Vocabulary/Answer key

Our impact on earth

The resources above cover the following skills:

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

Earth’s Systems

Analyze and interpret data (e.g., tables, graphs, maps of global and regional temperatures; atmospheric levels of gases such as carbon dioxide and methane; rates of human activities) to describe how various human activities (e.g., use of fossil fuels, creation of urban heat islands, agricultural practices) and natural processes (e.g., solar radiation, greenhouse effect, volcanic activity) may cause changes in local and global temperatures over time.

Earth and Human Activity

Analyze evidence (e.g., databases on human populations, rates of consumption of food and other natural resources) to explain how changes in human population, per capita consumption of natural resources, and other human activities (e.g., land use, resource development, water and air pollution, urbanization) affect Earth’s systems.

Implement scientific principles to design processes for monitoring and minimizing human impact on the environment (e.g., water usage, including withdrawal of water from streams and aquifers or construction of dams and levees; land usage, including urban development, agriculture, or removal of wetlands; pollution of air, water, and land).