What is the adrenal cortex?
The adrenal cortex, the outer portion of the adrenal gland, is essential to life by secreting hormones that have an effect on the body’s metabolism, on chemicals in the blood and on certain body characteristics. The adrenal cortex secretes corticosteroids and other hormones directly into the bloodstream. The hormones produced by the adrenal cortex include: • Corticosteroid hormones • Hydrocortisone hormone – also known as cortisol, controls the body’s use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. • Corticosterone – together with hydrocortisone hormones, suppresses inflammatory reactions in the body and also affects the immune system. • Aldosterone hormone – inhibits the level of sodium excreted into the urine, maintaining blood volume and blood pressure. • Androgenic steroids (androgen hormones) – have minimal effect on the development of male characteristics.
