Adrenal Steroidogenesis and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasias
The Adrenal Cortex: Structural and Functional Stratification
The adrenal cortex is anatomically and functionally divided into three discrete zones, each dedicated to synthesizing specific steroid classes:
Zona Glomerulosa (G): Engaged in the synthesis of mineralocorticoids, primarily aldosterone, which regulate sodium retention and systemic blood pressure.
Zona Fasciculata (F): Dedicated to glucocorticoid production, predominantly cortisol, which mediates metabolic homeostasis, immune modulation, and stress responses.
Zona Reticularis (R): Responsible for androgen production, notably dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione, which serve as precursors for peripheral sex steroid synthesis.
The mnemonic “GFR” (“glomerulosa, fasciculata, reticularis”) aligns with the histological arrangement, while “Salt, Sugar, Sex” encapsulates the functional roles of the steroid categories produced.
