What is a key role of the adrenal cortex?

The adrenal cortex plays a crucial role in the body's endocrine system, primarily through the production of corticosteroids. These hormones are essential in various physiological processes, including metabolism, immune response regulation, and maintaining blood pressure. Corticosteroids are divided into two main categories: glucocorticoids, which help manage carbohydrate metabolism and reduce inflammation, and mineralocorticoids, which are involved in regulating sodium and potassium balance, as well as blood pressure.

By producing these hormones, the adrenal cortex directly influences how the body responds to stress and maintains homeostasis, making it vital for overall health and well-being. While the adrenal medulla is responsible for producing adrenaline (also known as epinephrine), the specific role of the adrenal cortex is distinct and critical for long-term stress adaptation and metabolic function. This differentiates the primary functions of the adrenal cortex from the activities related to calcium metabolism and stress response hormones, which may involve other glands such as the parathyroid gland and pituitary gland respectively.