Biology · Chemical Coordination and Integration · NEET
Both are made in the adrenal CORTEX, not the medulla. The cortex secretes corticoids (glucocorticoids like cortisol and mineralocorticoids like aldosterone). The adrenal MEDULLA makes adrenaline and noradrenaline. NEET often traps students by saying 'glucocorticoids are secreted in the adrenal medulla' — this is wrong.
Glucocorticoids (mainly cortisol) are involved in carbohydrate metabolism: they stimulate gluconeogenesis, lipolysis and proteolysis, produce anti-inflammatory reactions, suppress the immune response and stimulate RBC production. Mineralocorticoids (mainly aldosterone) regulate water and electrolytes: aldosterone acts at the renal tubules to reabsorb Na+ and water and excrete K+ and phosphate ions.
Aldosterone acts mainly at the renal tubules and stimulates reabsorption of Na+ and water, and excretion of K+ and phosphate ions. So it helps maintain electrolytes, body fluid volume, osmotic pressure and blood pressure. Because it saves Na+ and water, aldosterone raises blood pressure and opposes diuresis.
Yes. NCERT lists cortisol, testosterone, estradiol and progesterone as steroid hormones. Steroids are made from cholesterol and act through intracellular receptors. Glucagon and insulin are peptide hormones, NOT steroids. NEET has asked 'which of the following is not a steroid hormone' with cortisol, testosterone, progesterone and glucagon — the answer is glucagon.
The adrenal cortex has three layers: zona glomerulosa (outer), zona fasciculata (middle) and zona reticularis (inner). While NCERT does not force you to match each layer, aldosterone (mineralocorticoid) comes from the outermost zona glomerulosa. For NEET the key fact is simply that the cortex — divided into these three zones — makes the corticoids.
Which of the following statements are correct with respect to the hormone and its function? (A) Thyrocalcitonin (TCT) regulates the blood calcium level. (B) In males, FSH and androgens regulate spermatogenesis. (C) Hyperthyroidism can lead to goitre. (D) Glucocorticoids are secreted in Adrenal Medulla. (E) Parathyroid hormone is regulated by circulating levels of sodium ions.
Match List I with List II. A. Cortisol B. Aldosterone C. Cholecystokinin D. Progesterone; I. Stimulates the formation of alveoli in mammary glands II. Produces anti-inflammatory reactions III. Stimulates reabsorption of Na+ and water from renal tubule IV. Stimulates secretion of pancreatic enzymes and bile juice
Which of the following would help in prevention of diuresis?
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
Cortisol is the main glucocorticoid and aldosterone is the main mineralocorticoid. Both are secreted by the adrenal cortex.
Cortisol RAISES blood glucose. It stimulates gluconeogenesis (making new glucose), lipolysis and proteolysis, and it inhibits cellular uptake and utilisation of amino acids, so blood glucose goes up.
Aldosterone reabsorbs Na+ and water at the renal tubules, which increases body fluid volume and blood pressure. It is released in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone pathway when blood pressure falls.
No. They are not antagonistic; they simply do different jobs. Cortisol manages carbohydrate metabolism and immunity, while aldosterone manages salt and water balance. Aldosterone is antagonistic to ANF (atrial natriuretic factor), which lowers blood pressure.
Yes. Glucocorticoids, particularly cortisol, produce anti-inflammatory reactions and suppress the immune response. This is why cortisol-like drugs are used to reduce inflammation.
