Introduction

Hormones are chemicals released by cells directly into the bloodstream. They act over a long range mediating a variety of physiological effects. The Adrenal Cortex is an endocrine gland, that is, its the site of synthesis and secretion of hormones. All adrenal cortex hormones are steroid hormones, having a commong 4 carbon ring structure. Additional functional groups such as hydroxyl side chains confer the individual properties of each.

The adrenal cortex is composed of three parts, each responsible for the synthesis of different groups hormones. This Website will address each of the three groups of hormones in turn, considering structures, synthesis, and roles. In addition you will also find some information regarding diseases that arise when the adrenal cortex or the hormones it produces malfunction.

This site has been constructed to give you an overview of adrenal cortex hormones. If you follow the links to further information, you can widen your knowledge in areas you find interesting. 

Image of the endocrine glands courtesy of Flickr under the Creative Commons License: https://www.flickr.com/photos/13225970@N03/1359040671/  

Banner image courtesy of Flickr under the Creative Commons License: https://www.flickr.com/photos/anselolson/3021197144/