Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

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Prepare for the Advanced Dental Admission Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations provided for each question. Strengthen your readiness for success!

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Which hormone is identified as the primary secretory product of the adrenal cortex?

Adrenaline
Progesterone
Cortisol
Epinephrine

The correct answer is: Cortisol

Cortisol is identified as the primary secretory product of the adrenal cortex due to its crucial role in the body's response to stress and its involvement in regulating various metabolic processes. The adrenal cortex, which is the outer portion of the adrenal glands, synthesizes and releases cortisol as part of the body's fight-or-flight mechanism, aiding in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as in maintaining blood pressure and immune response. Cortisol is also essential for the proper functioning of other hormones and electrical signals in the body, making it a vital component of endocrine health. It is produced from cholesterol through a series of enzymatic reactions that occur in the zona fasciculata, one of the three layers of the adrenal cortex. Understanding cortisol's primary role aids in recognizing its importance in physiological and pathological states, such as chronic stress, and its implications in various diseases like Cushing's syndrome, which is characterized by excessive cortisol levels.