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HistologyBody systemsEndocrine systemZona fasciculata
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HistologyBody systemsEndocrine systemZona fasciculata

Zona fasciculata

Author: Ruvimbo Chiswo, MD • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: April 01, 2024
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Endocrine system [10:53]
Main organs of the endocrine system.
Zona fasciculata
Synonyms: none

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: 

Suprarenal gland Explore study unit
Adrenal glands Read article

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  •  Ross M. H., Pawlina W: Histology: A text and atlas: With Correlated Cell and Molecular Biology, 6th edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
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