WHAT IS IT?
The adrenal is an organ atop the kidneys that is responsible for the synthesis of various important hormones.
WHAT ARE THE MAJOR PARTS?
The adrenal gland has a few important layers to keep in mind (outlined below):
The cortex is derived form mesoderm tissue.
The medulla is derived from neural crest cells (ectoderm).
WHAT HORMONES ARE MADE?
Zona glomerulosa: aldosterone (mineralocorticoids)
Zona fasiculata: cortisol (glucocorticoids)
Zona reticularis: DHEA (androgens)
Adrenal medulla: epinephrine, norepinephrine (catecholamines)
Page Updated: 05.02.2017