| |
adrenal cortex
the outer, firm layer comprising the larger part of the adrenal gland; it synthesizes and secretes more than 30 different steroids and is responsible for the maintenance of several life-sustaining
physiological activities. The steroids are divided into three major groups: glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens. The adrenal cortex also secretes small amounts of androgens and is the major source of these hormones in females.

Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
Click here for important legal information about Dorland's Medical Dictionary.
|