What is produced in the zonula Fasciculata of the adrenal cortex?

The zonula fasciculata, also known as the fasciculata zone, is a region of the adrenal cortex responsible for the synthesis and secretion of glucocorticoids, with cortisol being the primary hormone produced in this zone. Cortisol plays a vital role in metabolism regulation, the stress response, and maintaining homeostasis within the body.

The cells in the zonula fasciculata are arranged in long strands or cords, allowing for efficient hormone production and release into the bloodstream. This specific region's function differs from the other zones of the adrenal cortex: the zona glomerulosa primarily produces aldosterone, which is involved in sodium and water balance, while the zona reticularis is responsible for producing androgens, which are precursors to sex hormones.

Epinephrine, on the other hand, is produced in the adrenal medulla, not the cortex. This distinction clarifies why the correct answer focuses solely on cortisol as the primary product of the zonula fasciculata.