Question

Describe the hormones of adrenal cortex.

Answer 1

1. The adrenal cortex (or gland) is present just above each kidney, each gland has an outer cortex which produces steroid hormones and an inner medulla
2. Adrenal glands produce a variety of hormones including adrenaline and steroids; aldosterone and cortisol.
3. The adrenal cortex produces three main types of steroid hormones:
   • Mineralocorticoids produce aldosterone
   • Glucocorticoids produce cortisol
   • Androgens mainly produce male sex hormones DHEA and testosterone.
4. Epinephrine or adrenaline and norepinephrine, also known as noradrenaline are the hormones secreted by the adrenal medulla.
5. Norepinephrine works with epinephrine in order to respond to stress.
6. The function of adrenaline includes increasing the heart rate, increasing blood pressure, expanding the air passages of the lungs etc.