(3) sex steroids (estrogens and androgens), which are produced largely in the zona reticularis. (2) mineralocorticoids, the most important being aldosterone, which is generated in the zona glomerulosa (1) glucocorticoids (principally cortisol), which are synthesized primarily in the zona fasciculata with a small contribution from the zona reticularis The adrenal cortex synthesizes three different types of steroids: Intervening is the broad zona fasciculata, which makes up about 75% of the total cortex. An equally narrow zona reticularis abuts the medulla. In the adult, the normal adrenal gland weighs about 4 gm but with acute stress, lipid depletion may reduce the weight, or prolonged stress, such as dying after a long chronic illness, can induce hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the cortical cells and more than double the weight of the normal gland.īeneath the capsule of the adrenal is the narrow layer of zona glomerulosa. The zona reticularis releases sex steroids, predominantly androgens, but also some estrogens. The zona fasciculata releases corticosteroids, particularly cortisol. The zona glomerulosa predominantly releases mineralocorticoids, particularly aldosterone. Lymphatics only in capsule, not elsewhere.Adrenal glands are supplied by three arteries, drained by shorter right adrenal vein and longer left adrenal vein.zona reticularis: androgens (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione, dihydroepiandosterone ).zona fasciculata: glucocorticoids (cortisol).zona glomerulosa: mineralocorticoids (aldosterone).Definition : The adrenal glands are paired endocrine organs consisting of both cortex and medulla, which differ in their development, structure, and function.

Adrenal gland cortex and medulla