The zona fasciculata secretes a glucocorticoid (cortisol) which regulates the level of carbohydrate in the body. The zona glomerulosa secretes a mineralocorticoid (aldosterone) which is responsible for the regulation of salt and water balance in the body. They are:ĭiagram illustrating zones of adrenal cortex - click to enlargeĮach zone has a characteristic histology and secretes different types of hormones. The cortex consists of three distinct zones. When cut in half each gland consists of an outer cortex, yellow in colour and an inner medulla, which is dark red, or grey. Each gland weighs approximately 5 grams and measures approximately 50mm vertically, 30mm across and 10mm thick. The right gland is tetrahedral in shape and lies lower than the left, which is semilunar in shape and usually the larger of the two. They are contained within the same membrane as the kidney but separated from them by a fibrous layer of tissue. They have a high cholesterol content giving them a yellowish colour. The two adrenal glands (also called the suprarenal glands) are situated in the abdomen, above the kidneys and below the diaphragm.
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