Lisämunuaiskuorinen

Lisämunuaiskuorinen, also known as the adrenal cortex, is the outer layer of the adrenal gland, a vital endocrine organ located atop each kidney. This region is responsible for producing a variety of steroid hormones essential for numerous bodily functions. It is divided into three distinct zones, each with a specific role in hormone synthesis.

The outermost zone, the zona glomerulosa, is primarily responsible for producing mineralocorticoids, the most important of which is aldosterone. Aldosterone plays a critical role in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance by controlling the reabsorption of sodium and the excretion of potassium in the kidneys.

Beneath the zona glomerulosa lies the zona fasciculata, the widest zone of the adrenal cortex. This layer synthesizes glucocorticoids, with cortisol being the principal hormone. Cortisol is involved in a wide range of metabolic processes, including glucose regulation, stress response, immune system modulation, and the suppression of inflammation.

The innermost zone, the zona reticularis, produces androgens, which are sex hormones. While the adrenal glands produce relatively small amounts of androgens compared to the gonads, these hormones are still important for various functions, including the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the regulation of reproductive cycles.

Disruptions in the function of the adrenal cortex can lead to a variety of medical conditions, such as Cushing's syndrome, characterized by excess cortisol production, and Addison's disease, resulting from insufficient production of adrenal hormones. The adrenal cortex is thus a critical component of the endocrine system, maintaining homeostasis and enabling the body to respond to various physiological demands.