Summary
Cortisol regulates stress and glucose; aldosterone controls salt balance.
In depth
Zona glomerulosa: aldosterone; fasciculata: cortisol; reticularis: androgens. Cortisol increases blood glucose, suppresses immunity and follows a circadian pattern. Cushing's syndrome (excess) and Addison's disease (deficiency).
Cortisol follows a diurnal rhythm. Chronic stress raises cortisol and affects immunity and metabolism. Aldosterone retains sodium.
Key idea: the adrenal cortex produces steroid hormones.
The adrenal cortex, from steroid hormones made from cholesterol, has three layers. The outer zona glomerulosa makes mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone, which raises sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidney, regulating blood volume and pressure (controlled by the renin-angiotensin system).
The zona fasciculata makes glucocorticoids, mainly cortisol, which raises blood glucose by gluconeogenesis, breaks down protein and fat, suppresses inflammation and immunity, and helps cope with long-term stress; ACTH controls it with a daily rhythm. The inner zona reticularis makes adrenal androgens. Excess cortisol causes Cushing syndrome, deficiency Addison disease.
Example: hydrocortisone and prednisone are used as anti-inflammatory drugs.
Remember: aldosterone for salt, cortisol for stress and sugar.
Frequently asked questions
What is Adrenal Cortex Hormones?
Cortisol regulates stress and glucose; aldosterone controls salt balance.
Which area of biology covers Adrenal Cortex Hormones, and how advanced is it?
Adrenal Cortex Hormones is one of the 54 topics in Reproduction & Endocrinology. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Pulsatile Hormone Secretion, Growth Hormone, Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis.
Can you give an example of Adrenal Cortex Hormones?
Prednisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid.
What should I learn before Adrenal Cortex Hormones?
Work through the Beginner topics in Reproduction & Endocrinology first, such as Reproduction, Asexual Reproduction, Sexual Reproduction, then return to Adrenal Cortex Hormones. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Adrenal Cortex Hormones?
The closest topics to Adrenal Cortex Hormones are Pulsatile Hormone Secretion, Growth Hormone, Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis, Negative Feedback in Endocrine Control. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Adrenal Cortex Hormones?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Adrenal Cortex Hormones. To practise the whole of Reproduction & Endocrinology, use the Reproduction & Endocrinology quiz.
How is Adrenal Cortex Hormones different from Pulsatile Hormone Secretion?
Adrenal Cortex Hormones: Cortisol regulates stress and glucose; aldosterone controls salt balance. Pulsatile Hormone Secretion: GnRH and other hormones are released in pulses whose frequency encodes signalling information. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Adrenal Cortex Hormones step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Pulsatile Hormone Secretion and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Reproduction & Endocrinology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.