Question

The mineralocorticoid hormone of the adrenal cortex which causes retention of sodium and potassium excretion is
A. Cortisol
B. Corticosterone
C. Progesterone
D. Aldosterone

Answer 1

Hint: Mineralocorticoids are steroid hormones secreted from the adrenal cortex which bring about a balance of electrolytes in our body. The primary mineralocorticoid helps retain sodium and excretes potassium.

Complete answer: Adrenal gland has two parts viz. cortex and medulla. The adrenal cortex acts as an endocrine organ and the hormones secreted from it are known as the corticosteroids.
Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones; these are of two classes’ viz. glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.
Mineralocorticoids are involved in the retention of sodium ions. Sodium is a mineral and hence the hormone is also named so. It helps in the regulation or balancing of electrolytes in our body.
A primary mineralocorticoid is an aldosterone.
It retains sodium and fluid but excretes potassium.

So, the correct option is D. Aldosterone

Note: Corticosteroids can be synthesized and secreted from the layers of adrenal cortex –zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis. Mineralocorticoids (e.g. aldosterone) are secreted from the zona glomerulosa. Zona fasciculata secretes glucocorticoids which help in carbohydrate metabolism.