Adrenal cortex
The outer portion of an
adrenal gland surrounding the adrenal medula.
The
adrenal cortex is divided into three regions:
- the zona glomerulosa - which produces mineralocorticoids: aldosterone
- the zona fasciculata - which produces glucocorticoids: cortisol
- and the zona reticularis - which produces androgens
Cells in the
adrenal cortex secrete
steroid hormones into the
blood and is responisble for the synthesis of steroid hormones from
cholesterol.
See also: Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome, Cushing's disease.