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, catabolizeproteins, mobilize free fatty acids, and inhibit inflammation in allergic responses. Mineralocortoids regulate the levels of minerals such as sodium and potassium in the blood.