Adrenocortical Physiology
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- Introduction
- The adrenal cortex synthesizes and secretes a variety of steroid hormones termed Corticosteroids. The corticosteroids can be functionally categorized into three groups and each is synthesized by a dedicated section of the adrenal cortex as described in adrenal gland histology.
- Mineralocorticoids:
- These hormones were originally named as such because they affected blood mineral (electrolyte) levels. The physiologically most important adrenocortical mineralocorticoid is aldosterone.
- Glucocorticoids:
- These hormones were originally named as such because they affected blood glucose levels. The physiologically most important adrenocortical glucocorticoid is cortisol.
- Adrenal Androgens
- These hormones were originally named as such because they displayed androgenizing effects but were synthesized in the adrenal cortex rather than the gonads. The physiologically most important adrenocortical androgens are DHEA and androstenedione.
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