National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What is the primary glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex?

1. Progesterone

2. Cortisol

3. Estrogen

4. Testosterone

The correct answer is: Cortisol

The primary glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex is cortisol. Glucocorticoids are a class of steroid hormones that play a crucial role in the body's response to stress, metabolism, and immune function regulation. Cortisol, specifically, helps to increase blood sugar levels through gluconeogenesis, aids in fat metabolism, and reduces inflammation. It also plays a key role in regulating various physiological responses to stress. The production of cortisol occurs in the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex, and its secretion is regulated by the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Elevated cortisol levels can have significant effects on the body, including changes in mood, immune response, and metabolism. The understanding of cortisol's role in health and disease is fundamental in fields like endocrinology and physical therapy, particularly in addressing conditions related to stress and inflammation. In contrast, while progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone are important hormones produced by the adrenal glands and other tissues, they are not glucocorticoids and do not serve the primary functions associated with cortisol. Therefore, cortisol is recognized as the central glucocorticoid essential for maintaining various bodily functions during stress and regulating numerous metabolic processes.