Adrenal cortex development and related disorders leading to adrenal insufficiency

Abstract The adult human adrenal cortex produces steroid hormones that are crucial for life, supporting immune response, glucose homeostasis, salt balance and sexual maturation. It consists of three histologically distinct functionally specialized zones. fetal forms from mesodermal material predominantly C19 steroids its zone, which involutes after birth. Transition to the occurs immediately birth formation zona glomerulosa fasciculata aldosterone cortisol production continues through infancy until reticularis androgen is formed with adrenarche. development this indispensable organ complex not fully understood. This article gives an overview recent knowledge gained biology two perspectives: one, basic science studying development, zonation homeostasis; two, disorders identified in persons manifesting various isolated or syndromic primary insufficiency.