The adrenal glands are a pair of glands which are located on or very near the kidneys in most vertebrates. In humans, an adrenal gland perches on top of each kidney, like a cap. The adrenal glands have two separate parts, the cortex and the medulla. Although the cortex and medulla are structurally close, they do not interact functionally. They each have their own unique characteristics and functions.

The adrenal cortex is the outer "rind" of the adrenal gland. It is made up of tissue which is similar to that found in the ovaries and testes. The cortex is responsible for producing three types of hormones: sex hormones, mineralocorticoids, and glucocorticoids. The most important sex hormones produced in the adrenal cortex are male sex hormones, or androgens. These hormones increase in both males and females at puberty, resulting in oily skin and hair in the armpits...