Page 91 - Physiology and Pathophysiology MNU 2024-2025 نظرى

Clinical pharmacy 2024/2025 Level 2 Pharm D Physiology and Pathophysiology (MD303)
VI. The adrenal cortex

 The Adrenal Cortex  completely envelopes the adrenal medulla, but the two
endocrine tissues are quite different.
 It consists of three morphologically distinct regions:

region Secretes

Zona Outer most region Mineralocorticoids

glomerulosa

Zona Intermediate position Glucocorticoids
Cortex
fasciculata

Zona Inner  encircles the Adrenal androgens
reticularis medulla

zona glomerulosa

Aldosterone is the principal mineralocorticoid.

Role:

It promotes reabsorption of sodium from urine, sweat, saliva & gastrointestinal.

Mechanism:

Aldosterone acts on the distal convoluted tubules to promote reabsorption of sodium in
exchange for potassium.

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