Part of adrenal cortex which secretes cortisol is

Options

A. Zona glomerulosa
B. Zona reticularis
C. Zona fasciculata
D. Zona pellucida.

Answer

To answer the question regarding which part of the adrenal cortex secretes cortisol, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Structure of the Adrenal Cortex**:
- The adrenal cortex is divided into three distinct layers: zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis.

2. **Understand the Function of Each Layer**:
- **Zona Glomerulosa**: This is the outermost layer of the adrenal cortex. It primarily secretes mineralocorticoids, with aldosterone being the main hormone produced.
- **Zona Fasciculata**: This is the middle layer of the adrenal cortex. It is responsible for secreting glucocorticoids, with cortisol being the primary hormone produced in this layer.
- **Zona Reticularis**: This is the innermost layer of the adrenal cortex. It mainly secretes gonadocorticoids, such as androgens and estrogens.

3. **Identify the Hormone in Question**:
- The question specifically asks for the part of the adrenal cortex that secretes cortisol.

4. **Determine the Correct Answer**:
- Since cortisol is secreted by the zona fasciculata, the correct answer to the question is **zona fasciculata**.

### Final Answer:
The part of the adrenal cortex which secretes cortisol is **zona fasciculata**.

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