Which hormone is released from zona glomerulosa

RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2024

Applied Physiology

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2024

Explanation

The adrenal cortex is divided into three layers: zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis.
The zona glomerulosa is the outermost layer.
This layer exclusively synthesizes and secretes mineralocorticoids.
Aldosterone is the most potent and principal mineralocorticoid in humans.
Aldosterone's primary function is to regulate sodium and potassium balance, which in turn helps control blood pressure and blood volume.

Option A: Oestrogen is a female sex hormone. While the adrenal cortex (specifically the zona reticularis) can produce small amounts of sex hormones, the primary site of oestrogen production is the ovaries in premenopausal women.
Option C: Adrenalin (epinephrine) is a catecholamine, not a corticosteroid. It is produced by the chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla, the inner part of the adrenal gland, in response to sympathetic nervous system stimulation.
Option D: Cortisol is the primary glucocorticoid hormone. It is produced by the zona fasciculata, which is the middle and largest layer of the adrenal cortex, not the zona glomerulosa.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Hormone secretion by the adrenal cortex as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the source of aldosterone is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions like Conn's syndrome (primary hyperaldosteronism), where a tumor in the zona glomerulosa causes excess aldosterone production, leading to hypertension and hypokalemia.
Nurses monitor blood pressure and serum electrolyte levels (sodium and potassium) in patients with suspected adrenal disorders, as these are directly affected by aldosterone levels.
What if? If a patient has Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency), all layers of the adrenal cortex are damaged. This leads to a deficiency of not only aldosterone (causing hypotension, hyperkalemia) but also cortisol, requiring lifelong hormone replacement therapy.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'zona glomerulosa'.
Recall that the zona glomerulosa is a layer of the adrenal cortex.
Access your knowledge of the adrenal gland's structure and function. Remember the adrenal gland has two parts: the cortex and the medulla.
Recall the three zones of the cortex (glomerulosa, fasciculata, reticularis) and the primary hormone class each produces (mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, androgens).
A useful mnemonic is 'GFR' for the layers (from outer to inner) and 'Salt, Sugar, Sex' for the functions/hormones.
Match 'glomerulosa' (the 'G' in GFR) with 'Salt' (mineralocorticoids). Identify aldosterone as the principal mineralocorticoid from the options provided.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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