zona fasciculata

Introduction

Sructure:

• middle zone, comprising ~80% of adrenal cortex.

Function

• site of synthesis of glucocorticoids & androgens
• principal product is glucocorticoids regulating glucose & fatty acid metabolism
• regulated by CRH-ACTH system.

Histology

• cells arranged in long straight cords, 1-2 cells thick,
• separated by sinusoidal capillaries
• cytoplasm contains numerous lipid droplets

More general terms

• endocrine gland

Component of

• adrenal cortex