Adrenal Cortex Layers & Hormone Secretion — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2026The adrenal cortex can be divided into three layers, called zona reticularis (inner layer), zona fasciculata (middle layer) and zona glomerulosa (outer layer). The adrenal cortex secretes many hormones, commonly called as corticoids. The corticoids, which are involved in carbohydrate metabolism are called glucocorticoids. In our body, cortisol is the main glucocorticoid. Corticoids, which regulate the balance of water and electrolytes in our body are called mineralocorticoids. Aldosterone is the main mineralocorticoid in our body.
The adrenal cortex has three zones that secrete different corticoids: zona glomerulosa (outer) secretes mineralocorticoids like aldosterone, zona fasciculata (middle) secretes glucocorticoids like cortisol, and zona reticularis (inner) secretes androgens. Students often confuse which zone secretes which hormone or mix up the functions of glucocorticoids (carbohydrate metabolism) versus mineralocorticoids (water-electrolyte balance). Remember: glucocorticoids help with glucose regulation during stress, while mineralocorticoids maintain osmotic balance by regulating sodium and potassium. NEET frequently tests layer-hormone matching and functional differences between corticoid types in questions about endocrine disorders or hormonal imbalances.
Match List-I with List-II — A. Cortisol, B. Aldosterone, C. Cholecystokinin, D. Progesterone.
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