Question

Which of the following is a mineralocorticoid?
A. Testosterone
B. Progesterone
C. Adrenaline
D. Aldosterone

Answer 1

Hint: Adrenal cortex secretes many hormones commonly known as corticoids. Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone) helps in the maintenance of body fluid volume, osmotic pressure and blood pressure. This hormone is synthesized in response to Renin-angiotensin system activation (RAS) or high dietary potassium of the adrenal cortex.

Complete step by step answer: The adrenal cortex secretes many hormones commonly known as corticoids.
1. Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone) – It helps in the regulation of water and electrolyte balance in the body. It acts mainly at renal tubular and stimulates reabsorption of sodium and water and excretion of potassium and phosphate ions. It helps in the maintenance of body fluid volume, osmotic pressure and blood pressure.
2. Glucocorticoids (cortisol) – It is involved in carbohydrate metabolism. It stimulates gluconeogenesis, lipolysis and proteolysis. It inhibits cellular uptake and utilization of amino acids. It maintains the cardiovascular system, kidney function and glomerular filtration rate. It suppresses the immune system and produces an anti-inflammatory reaction.
3. Sexcorticoids( androgenic steroids) – It plays role in the growth of axial hair, pubic hair and facial hair during puberty. Example- testosterone, progesterone.
4. The adrenal medulla secretes two hormones called adrenaline and noradrenaline. These are commonly called catecholamines. They are secreted in response to the stress of any kind and during emergencies and also called emergency hormones of flight or fight.
So, the correct answer is option D.

Note: Addison's disease: Hyposecretory disorder of the adrenal cortex or destruction of the adrenal cortex in diseases such as tuberculosis leads to a deficit of both glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. This condition is known as Addison’s disease. Persons with Addison's disease tend to lose weight, their blood glucose and sodium levels drop and potassium levels rise.