Adrenal cortex

The outer portion of an adrenal gland surrounding the adrenal medula. The adrenal cortex is divided into three regions:

• the zona glomerulosa - which produces mineralocorticoids: aldosterone
• the zona fasciculata - which produces glucocorticoids: cortisol
• and the zona reticularis - which produces androgens

Cells in the adrenal cortex secrete steroid hormones into the blood and is responisble for the synthesis of steroid hormones from cholesterol.

See also: Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome, Cushing's disease.