Which statement about the adrenal cortex is true?

Which statement about the adrenal cortex is true?

• A. It secretes epinephrine
• B. It stores calcium in bone
• C. It produces insulin
• D. It synthesizes corticosteroids in response to ACTH

Answer: (D)

The adrenal cortex responds to ACTH by producing corticosteroids. The cortex is the outer part of the adrenal gland, and it makes corticosteroids such as cortisol (a glucocorticoid) and aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid). ACTH from the pituitary signals the cortex to ramp up synthesis of these steroids, starting with cholesterol and using steroidogenic enzymes to convert it through pregnenolone and downstream intermediates. Epinephrine, on the other hand, is released by the adrenal medulla, not the cortex. Storing calcium occurs in bone, and insulin is produced by pancreatic beta cells, not the adrenal cortex. So the statement that the adrenal cortex synthesizes corticosteroids in response to ACTH is true.

The adrenal cortex responds to ACTH by producing corticosteroids. The cortex is the outer part of the adrenal gland, and it makes corticosteroids such as cortisol (a glucocorticoid) and aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid). ACTH from the pituitary signals the cortex to ramp up synthesis of these steroids, starting with cholesterol and using steroidogenic enzymes to convert it through pregnenolone and downstream intermediates. Epinephrine, on the other hand, is released by the adrenal medulla, not the cortex. Storing calcium occurs in bone, and insulin is produced by pancreatic beta cells, not the adrenal cortex. So the statement that the adrenal cortex synthesizes corticosteroids in response to ACTH is true.