Fig 3 - Histological appearance of the cortex and medulla of the adrenal gland. Fig 2 - Posterior view of the abdomen, demonstrating the anatomical relations of the adrenal glands. It also secretes a small amount of corticosteroids. Zona reticularis – produces and secretes androgens such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHES).It also secretes a small amount of androgens. Zona fasciculata – produces and secretes corticosteroids such as cortisol.Zona glomerulosa – produces and secretes mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone.Functionally, the cortex can be divided into three regions (superficial to deep): It secretes two cholesterol derived hormones – corticosteroids and androgens. The cortex and medulla synthesise different hormones. Medulla – derived from the ectodermal neural crest cells.
They are two separate endocrine glands, with different embryological origins:
The outer cortex and inner medulla are the functional portions of the gland. The adrenal glands consist of an outer connective tissue capsule, a cortex and a medulla. Veins and lymphatics leave each gland via the hilum, but arteries and nerves enter the glands at numerous sites.
