Adrenal cortex
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The adrenal cortex is the outer portion of an adrenal gland surrounding the adrenal medulla. Cells in the adrenal cortex synthesize steroid hormones from cholesterol and secret corticosteroid hormones into the blood. The cortex is divided into three regions:

• the zona glomerulosa, which produces mineralocorticoids, primarily aldosterone
• the zona fasciculata, which produces glucocorticoids, about 95 percent cortisol but also including cortisone and corticosterone
• the zona reticularis, which produces androgens

The adrenal cortex makes up 80 percent of the adrenal gland in humans, and wraps circumferentially around the adrenal medulla . The secretion activity of the adrenal cortex is regulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone produced in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland as a result of actions along the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

The androgens play a minor role as sexual hormones that regulate some traits of masculinity (much like testosterone). The glucocorticoids play a part in the regulation of glucose levels in the blood, in protein metabolism, in fat metabolism and in the control of inflammation processes. The mineralocorticoids help regulate the extracellular concentrations of electrolytes such as potassium and sodium.

Although the adrenal cortex has been found to produce more than 30 corticosteroids, only aldosterone and cortisol have a major influence on the normal function of the endocrine system.

Related topics

Addison's disease Cushing's syndrome Cushing's disease

The original article can be found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrenal_cortex.
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