Briefly explain Adrenal Cortex.

Answer

### Step-by-Step Text Solution for Adrenal Cortex

1. **Definition and Location**:
- The adrenal cortex is a part of the adrenal gland, which is located on top of each kidney. Each person has a pair of adrenal glands, and the cortex is the outer layer of these glands.

2. **Structure of the Adrenal Gland**:
- The adrenal gland consists of two main parts: the adrenal medulla (the inner part) and the adrenal cortex (the outer part). In a transverse section of the adrenal gland, the adrenal cortex surrounds the adrenal medulla.

3. **Layers of the Adrenal Cortex**:
- The adrenal cortex is divided into three distinct layers:
- **Zona Glomerulosa**: The outermost layer, responsible for producing mineralocorticoids, which help regulate mineral balance in the body.
- **Zona Fasciculata**: The middle layer, primarily responsible for producing glucocorticoids, which are involved in carbohydrate metabolism.
- **Zona Reticularis**: The innermost layer, which produces androgens and other hormones.

4. **Functions of the Adrenal Cortex**:
- The adrenal cortex secretes various hormones known as corticoids. These hormones play crucial roles in:
- **Carbohydrate Metabolism**: Glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, help maintain glucose levels in the body and are involved in processes like gluconeogenesis, lipolysis, and proteolysis.
- **Mineral Balance**: Mineralocorticoids, such as aldosterone, regulate the balance of minerals like sodium and potassium in the body.
- **Anti-inflammatory Response**: Cortisol also has anti-inflammatory effects and helps suppress immune responses.

5. **Importance of Hormones**:
- The hormones produced by the adrenal cortex are vital for maintaining homeostasis in the body, influencing metabolism, immune response, and cardiovascular functions.