Question

Part of adrenal cortex which secretes cortisol is

• A. Zona glomerulosa
• B. Zona reticularis
• C. Zona fasciculata
• D. Zona pellucida

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Zona fasciculata

Adrenal gland or suprarenal glands are paired glands located at the anterior part of the kidneys. It is composed of two types of tissues, adrenal medulla and adrenal cortex. The adrenal medulla is located at the centre and the adrenal cortex lies outside the adrenal medulla. Adrenal cortex is divided into three layers - zona reticularis (innermost), zona fasciculata (middle) and zona glomerulosa (outermost).

A. Zona glomerulosa is outermost layer of the adrenal cortex which secretes mineralocorticoid like aldosterone.

B. Zona reticularis is innermost layer of the adrenal cortex which secretes gonadocorticoids like estrogen and androgens.

C. Zona fasciculata is middle layer of the adrenal cortex which secretes glucocorticoids like cortisol, corticosterone and cortisone.

D. Zona pellucida is a glycoprotein layer surrounding the mammalian ovum before implantation.

So, the correct answer is 'Zona fasciculata'.