Mellékvesekéregben

Mellékvesekéregben refers to the adrenal cortex, the outer layer of the adrenal gland. This endocrine tissue is crucial for producing a variety of steroid hormones essential for life. It is divided into three distinct zones, each with its own characteristic cell types and synthetic capabilities. The outermost zone, the zona glomerulosa, is responsible for the production of mineralocorticoids, primarily aldosterone. Aldosterone plays a vital role in regulating electrolyte balance, particularly sodium and potassium levels, and consequently influences blood pressure and fluid volume.

Moving inward, the zona fasciculata is the thickest layer of the adrenal cortex and synthesizes glucocorticoids, with cortisol being the most prominent. Glucocorticoids are involved in a wide range of metabolic processes, including carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. They also exert anti-inflammatory effects and are critical for the body's response to stress.

The innermost layer of the adrenal cortex is the zona reticularis. This zone produces androgens, which are sex hormones. While the adrenal glands produce androgens in both males and females, their contribution is more significant in females, influencing secondary sexual characteristics and libido. The production of hormones in the adrenal cortex is tightly regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a complex feedback system involving hormones released from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Disruptions in adrenal cortex function can lead to various endocrine disorders.