Which gland is the most active producer of corticosteriods?

Which gland is the most active producer of corticosteriods?

• A. Adrenal glands
• B. Thyroid gland
• C. Pancreas
• D. Pituitary gland

Answer: (A)

Corticosteroids are produced mainly by the outer layer of the adrenal glands, the adrenal cortex. The adrenal glands sit atop the kidneys, and the cortex makes the main corticosteroids, including glucocorticoids like cortisol and mineralocorticoids like aldosterone. The adrenal medulla, by contrast, makes catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) and does not produce corticosteroids. While the pituitary gland sends signals (ACTH) that stimulate the adrenal cortex to produce these hormones, the actual production site is the adrenal cortex. The thyroid gland and pancreas have entirely different roles—thyroid for thyroid hormones and pancreas for insulin and glucagon—so the adrenal glands are the primary source of corticosteroids.

Corticosteroids are produced mainly by the outer layer of the adrenal glands, the adrenal cortex. The adrenal glands sit atop the kidneys, and the cortex makes the main corticosteroids, including glucocorticoids like cortisol and mineralocorticoids like aldosterone. The adrenal medulla, by contrast, makes catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) and does not produce corticosteroids. While the pituitary gland sends signals (ACTH) that stimulate the adrenal cortex to produce these hormones, the actual production site is the adrenal cortex. The thyroid gland and pancreas have entirely different roles—thyroid for thyroid hormones and pancreas for insulin and glucagon—so the adrenal glands are the primary source of corticosteroids.