The outer portion of an adrenal gland surrounding the adrenal medula. The adrenal cortex is divided into three regions:
  • the zona glomerulosa - which produces mineralocorticoids: aldosterone
  • the zona fasciculata - which produces glucocorticoids: cortisol
  • and the zona reticularis - which produces androgens

Cells in the adrenal cortex secrete steroid hormones into the blood and is responisble for the synthesis of steroid hormones from cholesterol.

See also: Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome, Cushing's disease.