Definition for Suprarenal cortex
From Biology Forums Dictionary
The suprarenal cortex is the largest part of the gland and is composed of 3 zones: the zona glomerulosa (outer zone), the zona fasciculata (middle zone), and the zona reticularis (inner zone). The zona glomerulosa is responsible for the production of mineralocorticoids, mainly aldosterone, which regulates blood pressure and electrolyte balance.
The zona fasciculata, is responsible for the production of glucocorticoids, predominantly cortisol, which increases blood sugar levels via gluconeogenesis, suppresses the immune system, and aids in metabolism. This zone secretes cortisol both at a basal level and as a response to the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland.
The zona reticularis produces gonadocorticoids and is responsible for administering these hormones to the reproductive regions of the body. Most of the hormones released by this layer are androgens. The main androgen produced by this layer is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is the most abundant hormone in the body and serves as the starting material for many other important hormones produced by the suprarenal gland, such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol.
