Question

Which hormone is secreted from zona glomerulosa?
A. Aldosterone
B. Cortisol
C. Androgen
D. Glucagon

Answer 1

Hint: Adrenal glands are located on the kidneys. It is an endocrine gland that secretes hormones. Zona glomerulosa is the outermost layer of the adrenal glands. It secretes hormones called mineralocorticoids.

Complete answer:
Option (a) is correct. Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid hormone which is secreted from the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. Aldosterone is known to affect the reabsorption of sodium of the distal convoluted tubules of the kidney. It also increases the excretion of potassium and hydrogen ions. The interplay between the reabsorption of sodium ions and excretion of potassium ions is responsible for regulation of blood pressure. Anomalies in the production of aldosterone cause kidney and heart diseases.
Option (b) is incorrect. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone. It is secreted by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex. It is generally released in response to low blood sugar levels and stress. When the blood glucose levels become low, the adrenal cortex is stimulated to secrete cortisol which in turn promotes gluconeogenesis, thereby raising the blood sugar levels.
Option (c) is incorrect. Androgens are primarily secreted in males. Females secrete low levels of androgen hormone. Androgens are secreted from the adrenal glands, testes and ovaries. They regulate the development of sexual characteristics, typically in males. Androgen is of different types like testosterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA, Dihydrotestosterone or DHT, etc.
Option (d) is incorrect. Glucagon is secreted by the pancreas. Specialized cells called the alpha cells secrete Glucagon which functions to raise the blood sugar levels. Its action is reversed to that of insulin. The interplay of glucagon and insulin regulates the blood glucose levels. Glucagon promotes glycogenolysis – a process that involves disintegration of glycogen into glucose. It takes place in the liver. The glucose formed in the liver then diffuses out and the sugar level in the blood.

So, the correct answer is option A.

Note: Adrenal glands are also called suprarenal glands since they present on top of the kidneys. The adrenal gland secretes a variety of hormones that serves to regulate various body processes. Aldosterone is one such hormone secreted by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. It is a mineralocorticoid hormone that primarily functions to regulate the blood pressure.