Which gland sits on top of the kidneys and secretes cortisol and adrenaline?

• A. Pineal glands
• B. Adrenal glands
• C. Pituitary glands
• D. Thyroid glands

Answer: (B)

Adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and are organized into two parts that together handle both long-term and rapid stress responses. The cortex portion produces cortisol, a hormone that helps regulate metabolism and the body's response to stress. The medulla portion releases adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline, which trigger the quick “fight or flight” reactions like increased heart rate and energy release. Because this single gland houses both cortisol and adrenaline outputs, it matches the description perfectly. The pineal gland is in the brain and makes melatonin, the pituitary gland also in the brain secretes various hormones but isn’t on the kidneys, and the thyroid gland in the neck makes thyroid hormones.