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 ZoneZoneHormones
1zona glomerulosaOuter aldosterone
2zona fasciculataMiddleglucocorticoids11-deoxycorticosterone
corticosterone
cortisol
3zona reticularisInnerandrogensdehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S)
androstenedione
Adrenal Cortex

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 effectsdistal 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
Aldosterone effects