corticosuprarenal

Corticosuprarenal refers to the outer layer of the adrenal gland, also known as the adrenal cortex. This region is responsible for producing steroid hormones, collectively called corticosteroids. These hormones are essential for numerous physiological processes in the body. The adrenal cortex is divided into three distinct zones, each with its own set of enzymes and producing specific hormones. The outermost zone, the zona glomerulosa, produces mineralocorticoids, primarily aldosterone, which regulates salt and water balance and blood pressure. The middle zone, the zona fasciculata, is the largest and synthesizes glucocorticoids, most notably cortisol. Cortisol plays a vital role in metabolism, stress response, and immune function. The innermost zone, the zona reticularis, produces androgens, which are sex hormones like dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). These androgens contribute to secondary sexual characteristics and have other metabolic effects. The production of hormones by the corticosuprarenal is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Dysfunction of the corticosuprarenal can lead to various endocrine disorders, such as Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol) or Addison's disease (insufficient cortisol and aldosterone).