What is the Difference Between Adrenal Cortex and Adrenal Medulla?

The adrenal gland is composed of two distinct regions: the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. They are responsible for producing and releasing different hormones that are essential for various bodily functions. The main differences between the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla are:

1. Hormones produced: The adrenal cortex produces steroid hormones, including glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol), mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone), and adrenal androgens (e.g., testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone). The adrenal medulla produces catecholamines, such as epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).
2. Functions: The hormones produced by the adrenal cortex are involved in maintaining salt levels, regulating metabolism, and developing secondary sex characteristics. In contrast, the hormones produced by the adrenal medulla are stress hormones that are released in response to fight or flight situations and play a role in increasing heart rate, force of heart contractions, blood flow to muscles and brain, and glucose (sugar) metabolism.
3. Size and location: The adrenal cortex is the outer, larger region of the adrenal gland, while the adrenal medulla is the inner, smaller region.
4. Origin: The adrenal cortex arises from the mesoderm, while the adrenal medulla arises from the ectoderm.
5. Regulation: The adrenal cortex is regulated by negative feedback involving the hypothalamus and adrenocorticotropic hormone, whereas the adrenal medulla is regulated by nerve impulses from the hypothalamus.

Comparative Table: Adrenal Cortex vs Adrenal Medulla

The adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla are two distinct regions within the adrenal gland, which has a crucial role in hormone synthesis and regulation. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:

The adrenal cortex is responsible for maintaining salt levels, regulation of metabolism, and development of secondary sex characteristics, while the adrenal medulla produces stress hormones that are released in response to fight or flight situations.