

The layers can be visualized on a histology slide. Glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis. The layers of the adrenal cortex, from the external side of the gland going deeper are: zona The adrenal cortical hormones are all steroids. Each region produces a different type of hormone. Upon examining the histology, it can be seen that the adrenal cortex consists of three different regions. Top of Page Histology of the Adrenal Cortex Nervous impulses from the hypothalamus regulate the adrenal medulla. The adrenal cortex is regulated by a negative feedback loop involving the hypothalamus and the pituitary hormone adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The hypothalamus of the brain has an effect on both regions of the adrenal gland. The adrenal cortex is essential to life, but the adrenal medulla is not essential to life. The cortex and the medulla each produce and release their own type of hormones. The cortex and the medulla are derived from different embryonic tissues. The adrenal gland is composed of an outer cortex and an inner medulla. Because of where the adrenal gland is located, the adrenal gland is also called the suprarenal gland. 17(1):39-44.The adrenal gland is found on the upper portion of each kidney. Coexistence of Cushing syndrome from functional adrenal adenoma and Addison disease from immune-mediated adrenalitis. Ĭolucci R, Jimenez RE, Farrar W, Malgor R, Kohn L, Schwartz FL. NIDDK: National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service. Accessed: Mar 2011.Īdrenal Insufficiency and Addison’s Disease.

Highest Quality Vitamins And Supplements - Life Extension. Īdrenal Disease - Addison's Disease, Cushing's Syndrome - Life Extension Health Concern. University of Pennsylvania Health System. Chapter 11: Adrenal Cortex, Development, Anatomy, Physiology. National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health.
