What Is the Adrenal Cortex?

The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and produce hormones important for body function. These glands are divided into two parts: the inner part is called the adrenal medulla, and the outer part is called the adrenal cortex.

Importance

• The adrenal cortex secretes hormones essential to life. These hormones affect the body's metabolism, the chemicals in the blood and some body characteristics.

Glucocorticoid Hormones

• Glucocorticoids affect metabolism, inflammation and the immune system. Cortisol, which controls the body's use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, is a glucocorticoid hormone.

Mineralocorticoid Hormones

• Mineralocorticoids regulate mineral and water balance. Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid that affects sodium excreted into the urine, maintaining blood volume and blood pressure.

Sex Hormones

• The adrenal cortex produces small amounts of progestins, androgens and estrogens, but most of these hormones are produced elsewhere in the body.

Adrenal Cortex Destruction

• When at least 90 percent of the adrenal cortex is destroyed, the result is adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), a life-threatening disease.