Adrenal Glands: two paired triangular-shaped glands which sit atop the kidneys and consist of an outer adrenal cortex and an inner adrenal medulla. The adrenal cortex produces the stress hormone cortisol in response to the pituitary hormone ACTH (adreno-corticotropic hormone) and aldosterone which helps control water and sodium balance. The adrenal medulla produces the catecholamines epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine, both essential for the stress response and maintaining adequate blood pressure.