Vicki Metz, age 14, of Gadsden, Ala., for her question:

WHERE ARE THE ADRENAL GLANDS?

There's an adrenal gland at the top of each kidney. The glands supply the body with hormones, including one called adrenalin, which at times of stress comes to the rescue. Another hormone is called norepinephrine and it helps to maintain normal blood circulation.

The adrenal gland has two parts: the inner portion, or medulla, and the outer portion, or cortex. They are like separate endocrine organs. They are made of different types of tissue since they perform different functions.

The cortex secretes about 30 steroid hormones but only a few are secreted in large amounts. Aldosterone regulates the salt and water balance in the body. Cortisone and hydrocortisone regulate fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism.

Unlike the cortex, the medulla portion of the adrenal gland can be removed without endangering life if a doctor finds it is necessary to do so.