Cortisol regulates the metabolism of the body in response to the stress. The two types of glucocorticoid hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex are hydrocortisone (cortisol) and corticosterone. The ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce and secrete glucocorticoid hormones. The corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), produced by the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland to release the adrenal corticotrophic hormone (ACTH). The release of mineralocorticoids is mediated by signals of the kidney. The release of the glucocorticoids is mediated by pituitary gland and hypothalamus. It produces two major groups of hormones: glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.

The adrenal cortex is the outer part of the adrenal gland.

Key Terms: ACTH, Adrenal Cortex, Adrenal Gland, Adrenal Medulla, Adrenaline, Aldosterone, Cortisol, Noradrenaline, Sympathetic Nervous System What is the Difference Between Adrenal Cortex and Adrenal Medulla What are the Similarities Between Adrenal Cortex and Adrenal MedullaĤ. The main difference between adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla is that adrenal cortex helps to release energy from proteins and fats for chronic responses whereas adrenal medulla helps to mediate acute responses. The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine. The adrenal cortex secretes glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens. Both adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla produce and secrete hormones. The outermost layer of the adrenal gland is called the adrenal cortex, and the innermost layer of the adrenal gland is called adrenal medulla. The adrenal gland consists of distinct zones or layers of cells. Nursing Times 117: 8, 54-58.Īuthors: Maria Andrade is honorary associate professor in biomedical science Zubeyde-Bayram Weston is senior lecturer in biomedical science John Knight is associate professor in biomedical science all at College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University.Main Difference – Adrenal Cortex vs Adrenal MedullaĪdrenal glands are situated on top of the kidney.

This article, the fourth in an eight-part series on the endocrine system, explores the anatomy and physiology of the adrenal glands, and describes how they regulate and coordinate vital physiological processes in the body through hormonal action.Ĭitation: Andrade M et al (2021) Endocrine system 4: adrenal glands. The endocrine system consists of glands and tissues that produce and secrete hormones to regulate and coordinate vital bodily functions.

This article comes with a self-assessment enabling you to test your knowledge after reading it This article, the fourth in an eight-part series, looks at the adrenal glands. The endocrine system comprises glands and tissues that produce hormones for regulating and coordinating vital bodily functions.

Hormones secreted by adrenal gland