Anatomy
adrenal cortex Audio
[ uh-dreen-l kawr-teks ]
Subclass of:
Adrenal Glands
Definitions related to adrenal cortex:
  • The outer layer of the adrenal gland. It is derived from MESODERM and comprised of three zones (outer ZONA GLOMERULOSA, middle ZONA FASCICULATA, and inner ZONA RETICULARIS) with each producing various steroids preferentially, such as ALDOSTERONE; HYDROCORTISONE; DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE; and ANDROSTENEDIONE. Adrenal cortex function is regulated by pituitary ADRENOCORTICOTROPIN.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • The outer part of the adrenal gland (a small organ on top of each kidney). The adrenal cortex makes androgen and corticosteroid hormones.
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • The outer region of the adrenal gland consisting of the zona glomerulosa, the zona fasciculata, and the zona reticularis. The adrenal cortex produces and secretes mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and adrenal androgens.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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