Videos
Quizzes
Both
Zona fasciculata
/images/vimeo_thumbnails/258822687/ju7vghz3UPZbTSBNNh34wQ_overlay.jpg)
:watermark(/images/watermark_only_413.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url_sm.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/zona-fasciculata/qWllicyfbMfUy4LUPaeuQ_Zona_fasciculata.png "Zona fasciculata; Image:"){kind=logo}
The zona fasciculata is the middle layer of the suprarenal cortex.
The cortex of the suprarenal gland is divided into three morphological zones: the zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata and the zona reticularis. These zones are found above the medulla of the suprarenal gland with the zona fasciculata making up most of the cortical mass.
The zona fasciculata consists of large polyhedral cells with lightly staining spherical nuclei. They have well-developed Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Within the zona fasciculata, the cells are arranged in long straight cords. These cords are separated by sinusoidal capillaries that come together in the zona reticularis forming a vascular network.
The cells in the zona fasciculata release glucocorticoids such as cortisol, which regulate gluconeogenesis and glycogenesis. The glucocorticoids affect various tissues, including the liver and adipose tissue, and are involved in anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive processes in the body. The release of glucocorticoids from the zona fasciculata is under the regulation of adrenocorticotropic hormone.
| Terminology |
Latin: zona fasciculata Synonyms: cortex of suprarenal gland Latin: cortex glandulae suprarenalis |
| Location | Middle layer of the suprarenal cortex |
| Function | Secrete glucocorticoids such as cortisol |
Learn more about the zona glomerulosa in this study unit and article:
© Unless stated otherwise, all content, including illustrations are exclusive property of Kenhub GmbH, and are protected by German and international copyright laws. All rights reserved.:format(jpeg)/images/study_unit/adrenal-histology/WcnD1yCAlGAHKkFfYqC4Q_Adrenal_gland.png)
:format(jpeg)/images/article/adrenal-glands/riMchgcoPRKY7h6SZJn3dg_glandula_suprarenalis_large_xWe3Oqy0mZQFc9mHsQDW9g.png)
