Which adrenal cortex zone is primarily involved in producing glucocorticoids?

Which adrenal cortex zone is primarily involved in producing glucocorticoids?

• A. Zona Reticularis
• B. Zona Fasciculata
• C. Zona Glomerulosa
• D. Adrenal Medulla

Answer: (B)

Glucocorticoids come from the adrenal cortex’s middle layer, the zona fasciculata. This zone is specialized to produce glucocorticoids like cortisol, which regulate metabolism and help respond to stress. The outer zona glomerulosa makes mineralocorticoids (aldosterone) that control sodium and fluid balance, the inner zona reticularis makes androgens, and the adrenal medulla (not part of the cortex) releases catecholamines. So the layer primarily responsible for glucocorticoids is the zona fasciculata.

Glucocorticoids come from the adrenal cortex’s middle layer, the zona fasciculata. This zone is specialized to produce glucocorticoids like cortisol, which regulate metabolism and help respond to stress. The outer zona glomerulosa makes mineralocorticoids (aldosterone) that control sodium and fluid balance, the inner zona reticularis makes androgens, and the adrenal medulla (not part of the cortex) releases catecholamines. So the layer primarily responsible for glucocorticoids is the zona fasciculata.