<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Anatomical terminology (edit on Wikidata) </Td> </Tr> <P> The adrenal glands (also known as suprarenal glands) are endocrine glands that produce a variety of hormones including adrenaline and the steroids aldosterone and cortisol . They are found above the kidneys . Each gland has an outer cortex which produces steroid hormones and an inner medulla . The adrenal cortex itself is divided into three zones: zona glomerulosa, the zona fasciculata and the zona reticularis . </P> <P> The adrenal cortex produces three main types of steroid hormones: mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens . Mineralocorticoids (such as aldosterone) produced in the zona glomerulosa help in the regulation of blood pressure and electrolyte balance . The glucocorticoids cortisol and corticosterone are synthesized in the zona fasciculata; their functions include the regulation of metabolism and immune system suppression . The innermost layer of the cortex, the zona reticularis, produces androgens that are converted to fully functional sex hormones in the gonads and other target organs . The production of steroid hormones is called steroidogenesis, and involves a number of reactions and processes that take place in cortical cells . The medulla produces the catecholamines adrenaline and noradrenaline, which function to produce a rapid response throughout the body in stress situations . </P> <P> A number of endocrine diseases involve dysfunctions of the adrenal gland . Overproduction of cortisol leads to Cushing's syndrome, whereas insufficient production is associated with Addison's disease . Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a genetic disease produced by dysregulation of endocrine control mechanisms . A variety of tumors can arise from adrenal tissue and are commonly found in medical imaging when searching for other diseases . </P>

What general effects do hormones secreted by the adrenal medulla produce