Cortisol

From The School of Biomedical Sciences Wiki
Revision as of 23:59, 15 November 2016 by 160135071 (talk | contribs) (Merged Hydrocortisone page with Cortisol page as Hydrocortisone page contained information related to cortisol only. Re-added any links from text on hydrocortisone page and corrected any sentences which referred incorrectly to hydrocortisone.)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Cortisol, a steroid hormone, is the main glucocorticoid secreted by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex [1]. It's primary function is to increase blood sugar levels. This rise is achieved through various processes including gluconeogenesis and metabolism of several macromolecules including fat, protein and carbohydrate.
In a response to stress, the glucocorticoid is released from the zona fasciculata domain of the adrenal cortex. This release is ultimately controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain, which secretes corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). This hormone then triggers the secretion of another hormone, ACTH, from the pituitary gland which is carried, via the bloodstream, to the adrenal cortex.


References

  1. ↑ Silverthorn, Dee Unglaub., Johnson, Bruce R., Ober, William C., Garrison, Claire W., Silverthorn, Andrew C.(2009)Human Physiology: An integrated approach, 5th edition, New York: Pearson International. p759



Retrieved from "https://teaching.ncl.ac.uk/bms/wiki//index.php?title=Cortisol&oldid=16072"