Which hormone is primarily produced by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex?

Which hormone is primarily produced by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex?

• A. Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone)
• B. Glucocorticoids (cortisol)
• C. Androgens
• D. Catecholamines

Answer: (A)

The outer layer of the adrenal cortex, the zona glomerulosa, mainly makes aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid. Aldosterone acts on the kidney’s distal nephron to increase sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion, which expands blood volume and helps regulate blood pressure and electrolyte balance. This zone is regulated by the renin-angiotensin system and potassium levels. The middle zona fasciculata mainly produces cortisol (a glucocorticoid) and the inner zona reticularis produces androgens; the adrenal medulla, not the cortex, makes catecholamines like epinephrine and norepinephrine. So the hormone produced predominantly by the zona glomerulosa is aldosterone.

The outer layer of the adrenal cortex, the zona glomerulosa, mainly makes aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid. Aldosterone acts on the kidney’s distal nephron to increase sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion, which expands blood volume and helps regulate blood pressure and electrolyte balance. This zone is regulated by the renin-angiotensin system and potassium levels. The middle zona fasciculata mainly produces cortisol (a glucocorticoid) and the inner zona reticularis produces androgens; the adrenal medulla, not the cortex, makes catecholamines like epinephrine and norepinephrine. So the hormone produced predominantly by the zona glomerulosa is aldosterone.