Physiology · Endocrine System

Adrenal cortex and aldosterone physiology

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Definition

  • Aldosterone is the major mineralocorticoid in humans, secreted by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex.
  • Its main function is to increase Na+ and water reabsorption and promote K+ and H+ excretion from the kidney.

Regulation of Aldosterone Secretion

Angiotensin-Aldosterone

  • Aldosterone secretion is regulated by three stimuli: angiotensin II, ACTH, and plasma K+ concentration.

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone cascade: