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Adrenal 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 are particularly important in women after menopause.

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Specification: OCR Biology A (H420), A-level, 5.1.4 Hormonal communication. Topic: Hormonal Communication.

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.