Adrenal Cortex

AQA A-level BiologyHormonal CommunicationLesson 4 of 11

Glucocorticoids These include cortisol which is released in response to stress and low blood sugar concentration. Its effect is to increase blood sugar through gluconeogenesis, to suppress the immune system, and to aid in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
Mineralocorticoids The main hormone is aldosterone. Aldosterone acts on the kidneys to maintain the balance of salt and water in the body.
Androgens Small amounts of male and female sex hormones are made in the adrenal cortex. Oestrogens released by the adrenal cortex is particularly important in women after menopause.

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hormone: A chemical messenger, secreted by an endocrine gland directly into the blood, that travels to target cells bearing complementary receptors and brings about a response.
adrenal cortex: The outer region of the adrenal gland, which produces essential steroid hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone.
gluconeogenesis: The formation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources such as amino acids and fatty acids.