BRAINCAKEAdrenal Cortex
- 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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Key terms in this lesson
- Hormone
- A chemical messenger, secreted directly into the blood by an endocrine gland, that travels to target cells and alters their activity.
- Gluconeogenesis
- The production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources such as amino acids and fatty acids.
More in Hormonal Communication
- Endocrine Glands
- Hormones
- The Adrenal Glands
- Adrenal Medulla
- Pancreas
- Blood glucose concentration
- Insulin
- Glucagon
All 11 lessons in Hormonal Communication · All OCR A-level Biology topics