Adrenal Cortex

Where is adrenal cortex situated?

adrenal cortex forms the outer three-quarters of the gland

What are the Hormones secreted by Adrenal Cortex ?

The adrenal cortex secretes – three major types of steroid hormones:

• aldosterone – called mineralocorticoid
• glucocorticoids
• sex hormones.

What are the three layers of adrenal cortex?

Histologically, the adrenal cortex is divided into three layers, or zones

1. Outer zona glomerulosa – secretes only aldosterone.
2. Middle zona fasciculata – secretes mostly glucocorticoids
3. Inner zona reticularis – secretes mostly androgens, the sex hormones dominant in men.

	Adrenal Cortex Zone	Zone	Hormones
1	zona glomerulosa	Outer	aldosterone
2	zona fasciculata	Middle	glucocorticoids	11-deoxycorticosterone corticosterone cortisol
3	zona reticularis	Inner	androgens	dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S) androstenedione

Where is adrenal medulla situated?

1. adrenal medulla occupies – one fourth of inner mass of adrenal gland
2. composed of modified sympathetic ganglia
3. secrete catecholamines

Which is the primary precursor of natural estrogens ?

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is the primary precursor of natural estrogens.

DHEA is also called dehydroisoandrosterone or dehydroandrosterone.

What are the major effects of Aldosterone on Kidney?

Aldosterone effects	distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct of the kidney
	increased reabsorption of sodium
	increased excretion of potassium	By Principal Cells
	increased excretion of hydrogen ions	By Intercalated Cells Of The Collecting Duct