Sunday, March 8, 2009

Adrenal Cortex Layers

The 3 layers of the Adrenal Cortex are: zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculate, and the zona reticularis. Zona glomerulosa is the superficial layer. It primarily produces alderstone. Alderstone is a steroidal hormone that helps increase the volume of fluid in the body. The increase of fluid will increase the blood pressure. Zona fasciculate is the middle layer. It primarily produces cortisone. Cortisone is a immune suppressant. Prolonged stress will cause cortisone to increase and therefore the immune system will lower. Cortisone is non polar therefore it will not moving easily through the body. The zona reticularis is the deepest layer. It produces androgens. Androgens are steroidal hormones that aid in the development of masculine characteristics. The most well known androgen is testosterone, which is the male sex hormone. Androgens are also the precursor for estrogen, the female sex hormone. Cholesterol is the base for synthesis of these hormones produced in the adrenal cortex.
Upon researching cholesterol further to find out which foods are better for a person to consume. Animal fats have lower cholesterol and more triglycerides which may contribute to heart disease. Human breast milk has a high level of cholesterol and vegetables do not have any unless it is prepared with something that contains cholesterol. Limiting trans fats can help lower the risk of plaque build up in the walls of arteries.

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