Which two hormones are secreted by the adrenal glands?

The correct choice identifies two key hormones secreted by the adrenal glands: cortisol and aldosterone. The adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys, are responsible for producing hormones that help regulate metabolism, immune response, blood pressure, and stress responses.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone involved in the body's response to stress, playing a critical role in glucose metabolism, reducing inflammation, and influencing other functions to maintain homeostasis during times of stress. Aldosterone is also a steroid hormone and is essential for regulating sodium and potassium levels, thus helping to control blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.

This pairing accurately reflects the types of hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, which is the outer part of the adrenal glands. In contrast, adrenaline and norepinephrine, while also produced in the adrenal glands, are secreted by the adrenal medulla and serve to prepare the body for 'fight-or-flight' responses. Estrogen and testosterone are primarily produced by the gonads, not the adrenal glands, and insulin and glucagon are produced by the pancreas, further indicating that these options do not belong to the adrenal gland's primary hormone functions.