The primary mineralocorticoid is aldosterone. These are produced in the zona glomerulosa. The different zones of the adrenal cortex produce different hormones. Zona reticularis is the innermost cortical layer, and it produces androgens, mainly dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S), and androstenedione (the precursor to testosterone) in humans. Cortisol enhances the activity of other hormones including glucagon and catecholamines.Īdrenal Cortex: The three layers of the adrenal cortex are shown, the outermost zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata and the innermost zona reticularis. This layer is responsible for producing glucocorticoids, such as 11-deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, and cortisol in humans. Zona fasciculata is the layer situated between the glomerulosa and reticularis. Angiotensin is stimulated by the juxtaglomerular cells when renal blood pressure drops below 90 mmHg. The major stimulus to produce aldosterone is angiotensin II, as ACTH from the pituitary only produces a transient effect. The outermost layer, the zona glomerulosa, is the main site for production of mineralocorticoids, mainly aldosterone, that are largely responsible for the long-term regulation of blood pressure.Īldosterone exerts its effects on the distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct of the kidney, where it causes increased reabsorption of sodium and increased excretion of both potassium (by principal cells) and hydrogen ions (by intercalated cells of the collecting duct). The adrenal cortex has three zones or layers: The cortex is regulated by neuroendocrine hormones secreted by the pituitary gland, which are under the control of the hypothalamus, as well as by the renin- angiotensin system.

zona reticularis: The inner most layer of the adrenal cortex, responsible for producing androgens such as DHEA.

zona fasciculata: The middle layer of the adrenal cortex, responsible for producing glucocorticoids such as cortisol.zona glomerulosa: The outermost layer of the adrenal cortex, responsible for producing mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone.

adrenal cortex: The outer portion of the adrenal glands that produces hormones essential to homeostasis.

Zona reticularis is the inner most cortical layer the zona reticularis produces androgens, mainly DHEA.

This layer is responsible for producing glucocorticoids, such as cortisol.

Zona fasciculata is the layer situated between the glomerulosa and reticularis.

The outermost layer, the zona glomerulosa, is the main site for production of mineralocorticoids, mainly aldosterone.

The adrenal cortex comprises three zones, or layers: Zona glomerulosa (outer), Zona fasciculata and Zona reticularis.

Specific cortical cells produce particular hormones, including aldosterone, cortisol, and androgens such as androstenedione.

Adrenal gland and kidney function