What are the three zones of the adrenal cortex from outer to inner?

The correct response identifies the three zones of the adrenal cortex arranged from the outermost to the innermost layer: the zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis.

The outer layer, zona glomerulosa, is primarily responsible for producing mineralocorticoids, such as aldosterone, which play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance. Beneath that, the zona fasciculata produces glucocorticoids, mainly cortisol, which are vital for glucose metabolism and stress response. Finally, the innermost layer, the zona reticularis, is involved in producing androgens, which are sex hormones that contribute to various physiological functions.

This hierarchical organization is essential for understanding the functional dynamics of the adrenal cortex and how it contributes to the body's stress response and metabolic processes. The specific order of the zones is critical for students to remember, as it ties into their physiological roles and interactions within the endocrine system.