Adrenal cortex secretes two hormones namely
a) Epinephrine (Adrenaline) b) Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)
a) Epinephrine (Adrenaline) :
i) It promotes the conversion of glycogen to glucose in liver and muscles.
ii) It increases heart beat and blood pressure.
iii) It increases the rate of respiration by dilation of bronchi and trachea.
iv) It causes dilation of the pupil in eye.
v) It decreases blood flow through the skin.
b) Norepinephrine (Noradrenalin) : Its actions are similar to those of epinephrine

The hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex are corticosteroids. They are classified into
a) Glucocorticoids b) Mineralocorticoids
a) Glucocorticoids :
i) The glucocorticoids secreted by the zona fasciculata are cortisol and corticosterone.
ii) They regulate carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism.
iii) It stimulates the formation of glucose from glycogen in the liver.
iv) It is an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agent.
b) Mineralocorticoids:
i) The mineralocorticoids secreted by zona glomerulosa is aldosterone.
ii) It helps to reabsorb sodium ions from the renal tubules.
iii) It causes increased excretion of potassium ions.
iv) It regulates electrolyte balance, body fluid volume, osmotic pressure and blood pressure.

i) Cretinism: It is caused due to decreased secretion of the thyroid hormones in children. The conditions are stunted growth, mental defect, lack of skeletal development, and deformed bones. They are called cretins.
ii) Myxoedema: It is caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormones in adults. They are mentally sluggish, increase in body weight, puffiness of the face and hand, oedematous appearance.
iii) Hyperthyroidism: It is caused due to the excess secretion of the thyroid hormones which leads to Grave's disease. The symptoms are protrusion of the eyeballs (Exopthalmia), increased metabolic rate, high body temperature, profuse sweating, loss of body weight, and nervousness.