Knowra Adrenal cortex Adrenal cortex The outer region of each adrenal gland, composed of three layers that produce steroid hormones, including cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenal androgens.
Zona glomerulosa : The outermost adrenal cortical layer, which produces aldosterone and other mineralocorticoids. This layer releases aldosterone mainly in response to angiotensin II and elevated blood potassium.
Adrenal gland : An endocrine organ above each kidney, consisting of an outer cortex and an inner medulla. The cortex is one of the two structurally and functionally distinct regions of this organ.
Addison's disease : Primary adrenal insufficiency caused by damage to the adrenal cortex, often impairing cortisol and aldosterone production. It demonstrates the consequences of losing cortical hormone output.
Adrenal medulla : The inner region of an adrenal gland, containing chromaffin cells that release catecholamines. Unlike the steroid-producing cortex, the medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Adrenal gland development : The embryonic formation of the adrenal cortex and medulla from distinct cell populations. The cortex and medulla develop from different embryonic tissues, helping explain their contrasting biology.
Zona fasciculata : The middle adrenal cortical layer, which produces glucocorticoids, especially cortisol. ACTH stimulates this layer to release cortisol during daily rhythms and stress.
Cholesterol : A lipid molecule that forms cell membranes and serves as a precursor for steroid hormones. Adrenal cortical cells use cholesterol as the starting material for every steroid hormone they produce.
Cushing syndrome : A disorder caused by prolonged exposure to excessive glucocorticoids, whether from medication or endogenous production. Cortical tumors or excess ACTH can drive the cortisol excess that causes this syndrome.
Catecholamine : A class of signaling molecules that includes epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Catecholamines are the medulla's products, whereas cortical cells synthesize steroid hormones.
Adrenocortical cell : A steroid-producing cell of the adrenal cortex, specialized for synthesizing hormones from cholesterol. These cells form the cortical layers and acquire different hormone-producing capacities by location.
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