What are adrenal glands primarily responsible for?

The adrenal glands play a pivotal role in the endocrine system by producing a variety of hormones that are essential for various bodily functions. They are primarily responsible for the synthesis and secretion of hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline.

Cortisol is crucial for stress response, metabolism, and inflammation regulation. Aldosterone acts to regulate salt and water balance, which in turn helps control blood pressure. Adrenaline, or epinephrine, is involved in the fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate and energy availability during stressful situations.

The other choices, while relevant to different aspects of physiology, do not directly pertain to the primary functions of the adrenal glands. For instance, blood pressure and heart rate regulation is influenced by adrenal hormones but is not the sole responsibility of the adrenal glands, as numerous factors and systems are involved. The storage of minerals and vitamins is typically a function of other organs rather than specifically tied to adrenal gland activity, and the production of insulin and glucagon is specifically a function of the pancreas. Thus, the correct choice clearly highlights the central role of the adrenal glands in hormonal production and regulation.