
Zona glomerulosa is where mineralocoticoids are produced.The adrenal cortex is the outer layer of the gland and is divided into three zones: The adrenal glands have two layers the adrenal cortex (the outer layer) that is responsible for producing steroid hormones and the inner layer the medulla which is responsible for secreting the hormones that control our stress response, commonly referred to as our fight or flight response The Adrenal Cortex

The adrenal (suprarenal) glands are endocrine glands that are located superior to the kidneys. In the developed world, Addison's disease is most commonly caused by autoimmune disease however worldwide, tuberculosis is the most common cause.Īdrenal insufficiency may also be caused by long-term administration of corticosteroids or disorders of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, but this is not Addison's disease. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid, and aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid, are the hormones that are affected by Addision's disease causing a global metabolic disorders and fluid imbalance. It is a condition where the adrenal cortex (the outer layer of the adrenal gland that produces mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens) is progressively destroyed, resulting in decreased secretions of hormones. 7 Diagnostic Tests/Lab Tests/Lab ValuesĪddison’s disease is another name for primary chronic adrenal insufficiency.

