Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

Which gland consists of the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla?

1. Pituitary gland

2. Adrenal glands

3. Thyroid gland

4. Pancreas

The correct answer is: Adrenal glands

The choice of the adrenal glands is accurate because this structure is specifically composed of two distinct parts: the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. The adrenal cortex, the outer layer, produces steroid hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens, which are vital for regulating metabolism, immune response, and blood pressure. The adrenal medulla, located at the center of the gland, secretes catecholamines like adrenaline (epinephrine) and norepinephrine, which are key in the body's fight-or-flight response. In contrast, the pituitary gland is responsible for regulating other endocrine glands and does not contain the adrenal cortex or medulla. The thyroid gland primarily oversees the body’s metabolism through the production of thyroid hormones. The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion and blood sugar regulation, but it does not consist of the adrenal components. Thus, the characteristics and functional anatomy of the adrenal glands uniquely define them as the gland in question.