The adrenal cortex takes part in steroidogenesis, producing glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgen precursors. Hence, this review highlights the physiological effects of diagnostic importance. In the diagnosis of disorders of the adrenal gland, a firm understanding of physiology is important given the different systems that regulate steroids. This brief article reviews the physiology of the adrenal gland and highlights the relevance of understanding the clinical syndromes of excess and deficiency.
The cortex produces steroid hormones including glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and adrenal androgens, and the medulla produces the catecholamines, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. The adrenal gland is made up of the cortex and medulla.
