Question
Outer adrenal cortex
Answers
GPT 3.5
The outer adrenal cortex is the outer layer of tissue of the adrenal glands, which are small triangular-shaped glands situated on top of each kidney. The adrenal cortex is divided into three distinct layers: the zona glomerulosa, the zona fasciculata, and the zona reticularis.
The outermost layer, the zona glomerulosa, is responsible for producing mineralocorticoids, primarily aldosterone. Aldosterone regulates the balance of minerals, such as sodium and potassium, in the body, and plays a key role in controlling blood pressure and fluid balance.
The middle layer, the zona fasciculata, produces glucocorticoids, mainly cortisol. Cortisol is involved in regulating the body's response to stress, metabolism, immune function, and inflammation.
Finally, the innermost layer, the zona reticularis, produces androgens, including dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione. While the adrenal cortex is not the primary source of androgens in both males and females, these hormones contribute to the overall levels of sex hormones in the body.
Overall, the outer adrenal cortex plays a crucial role in maintaining various physiological functions, including mineral balance, response to stress, and the production of sex hormones.
The outermost layer, the zona glomerulosa, is responsible for producing mineralocorticoids, primarily aldosterone. Aldosterone regulates the balance of minerals, such as sodium and potassium, in the body, and plays a key role in controlling blood pressure and fluid balance.
The middle layer, the zona fasciculata, produces glucocorticoids, mainly cortisol. Cortisol is involved in regulating the body's response to stress, metabolism, immune function, and inflammation.
Finally, the innermost layer, the zona reticularis, produces androgens, including dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione. While the adrenal cortex is not the primary source of androgens in both males and females, these hormones contribute to the overall levels of sex hormones in the body.
Overall, the outer adrenal cortex plays a crucial role in maintaining various physiological functions, including mineral balance, response to stress, and the production of sex hormones.