Meaning of ADRENAL CORTEX

WordNet Dictionary
	Definition:		[n]  the cortex of the adrenal gland; secretes corticosterone and sex hormones
	See Also:		adrenal, adrenal gland, cortex, ductless gland, endocrine gland, suprarenal gland
Medical Dictionary
	Definition:		the outer portion of the adrenal gland that secretes hormones that are vital to the body.
Biology Dictionary
	Definition:		This is the outer portion of the adrenal gland; it secretes hormones such as hydrocortisone (a glucocortoid) and aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid). Glucocortoids help cells synthesize glucose, catabolize proteins, mobilize free fatty acids, and inhibit inflammation in allergic responses. Mineralocortoids regulate the levels of minerals such as sodium and potassium in the blood.