Final answer:
The adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, include the adrenal cortex and medulla, producing corticosteroids and adrenaline, respectively. ACTH stimulates the cortex, affecting stress response. Disorders include acromegaly and Addison's disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
The adrenal glands are integral elements of the endocrine system located above the kidneys. They consist of the adrenal cortex, responsible for producing corticosteroids, and the adrenal medulla, which generates adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). When the anterior pituitary gland releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), it stimulates the adrenal cortex, enhancing corticosteroid secretion, which plays a crucial role in the body's long-term stress response.
Disorders related to the adrenal glands include acromegaly, a condition caused by excess growth hormone in adults, and Addison's disease, characterized by a deficiency in corticosteroid production. The enzyme adenylate cyclase is also relevant to adrenal function as it converts ATP to cyclic AMP, a significant secondary messenger in hormone signaling.