Chapter 17 - Section 17.3 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 669: 7

The adrenal cortex, the outer layer of the adrenal glands, is divided into three distinct tissue zones, each responsible for producing specific hormones. These hormones have important roles in various physiological processes. Here are the three tissue zones of the adrenal cortex, the hormones produced by each zone, and their functions: **1. Zona Glomerulosa:** - **Hormone:** Aldosterone - **Function:** Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid hormone that primarily regulates electrolyte balance, particularly sodium and potassium ions, in the body. It helps maintain proper fluid volume and blood pressure. Aldosterone acts on the kidneys to increase sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion. This results in the retention of sodium and water, which helps maintain blood pressure and electrolyte balance. **2. Zona Fasciculata:** - **Hormone:** Cortisol - **Function:** Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone that plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and the body's response to stress. Its functions include: - **Metabolism Regulation:** Cortisol helps regulate glucose metabolism by increasing gluconeogenesis (production of glucose from amino acids) and inhibiting glucose uptake by cells. It also promotes the breakdown of fats and proteins for energy. - **Anti-Inflammatory and Immunosuppressive Effects:** Cortisol has anti-inflammatory actions that help suppress the immune response and reduce inflammation. This is important in controlling immune reactions and preventing excessive immune responses. - **Stress Response:** Cortisol is released in response to stress. It helps mobilize energy reserves, increase cardiovascular function, and suppress non-essential functions during times of stress. **3. Zona Reticularis:** - **Hormones:** Androgens, primarily dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) - **Function:** The zona reticularis produces androgens, which are male sex hormones, although they are present in both males and females. These hormones contribute to the development of secondary sexual characteristics and have roles in libido (sex drive). While their exact physiological significance in humans is still not fully understood, they are less potent than the androgens produced by the testes in males. DHEA can also serve as a precursor for the production of other hormones, including estrogen in females. In summary, the adrenal cortex is composed of three tissue zones: zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis. Each zone produces specific hormones with distinct functions. The zona glomerulosa produces aldosterone, which regulates electrolyte balance and blood pressure. The zona fasciculata produces cortisol, which plays roles in metabolism regulation, anti-inflammatory responses, and stress adaptation. The zona reticularis produces androgens, which contribute to sexual development and may have other physiological functions.

The adrenal cortex, the outer layer of the adrenal glands, is divided into three distinct tissue zones, each responsible for producing specific hormones. These hormones have important roles in various physiological processes. Here are the three tissue zones of the adrenal cortex, the hormones produced by each zone, and their functions: **1. Zona Glomerulosa:** - **Hormone:** Aldosterone - **Function:** Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid hormone that primarily regulates electrolyte balance, particularly sodium and potassium ions, in the body. It helps maintain proper fluid volume and blood pressure. Aldosterone acts on the kidneys to increase sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion. This results in the retention of sodium and water, which helps maintain blood pressure and electrolyte balance. **2. Zona Fasciculata:** - **Hormone:** Cortisol - **Function:** Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone that plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and the body's response to stress. Its functions include: - **Metabolism Regulation:** Cortisol helps regulate glucose metabolism by increasing gluconeogenesis (production of glucose from amino acids) and inhibiting glucose uptake by cells. It also promotes the breakdown of fats and proteins for energy. - **Anti-Inflammatory and Immunosuppressive Effects:** Cortisol has anti-inflammatory actions that help suppress the immune response and reduce inflammation. This is important in controlling immune reactions and preventing excessive immune responses. - **Stress Response:** Cortisol is released in response to stress. It helps mobilize energy reserves, increase cardiovascular function, and suppress non-essential functions during times of stress. **3. Zona Reticularis:** - **Hormones:** Androgens, primarily dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) - **Function:** The zona reticularis produces androgens, which are male sex hormones, although they are present in both males and females. These hormones contribute to the development of secondary sexual characteristics and have roles in libido (sex drive). While their exact physiological significance in humans is still not fully understood, they are less potent than the androgens produced by the testes in males. DHEA can also serve as a precursor for the production of other hormones, including estrogen in females. In summary, the adrenal cortex is composed of three tissue zones: zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis. Each zone produces specific hormones with distinct functions. The zona glomerulosa produces aldosterone, which regulates electrolyte balance and blood pressure. The zona fasciculata produces cortisol, which plays roles in metabolism regulation, anti-inflammatory responses, and stress adaptation. The zona reticularis produces androgens, which contribute to sexual development and may have other physiological functions.