Question

What are the three layers of the adrenal cortex?

Answer 1

Adrenal glands:

1. Adrenal glands are present on the anterior part of the kidneys.
2. It contains two types of tissues: Centrally located adrenal medulla and an exteriorly present adrenal cortex.

Adrenal Cortex:

1. Adrenal cortex secretes hormones commonly known as corticoids.
2. Adrenal cortex is divided into three layers Zona reticularis, Zona fasciculata and Zona glomerulosa.

Zona reticularis (inner layer):

1. Small amount of androgenic steroids are secreted by this layer.
2. It plays role in the growth of axial hair, facial hair, and pubic hair during puberty.

Zona fasciculata (middle layer):

1. This layer secretes the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol.
2. Cortisol stimulates gluconeogenesis, lipolysis, and proteolysis.
3. Cortisol also stimulates RBC production.

Zona glomerulosa (outer layer):

1. This layer secretes mineralocorticoid hormone aldosterone.
2. It maintains the balance of water and electrolytes.
3. Aldosterone mainly acts on the renal tubule.
4. It stimulates the reabsorption of sodium ions and water and the excretion of potassium ions and phosphate ions.