Adrenal Cortex

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	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.