What is Zona glomerulosa?
Zona glomerulosa is part of the adrenal gland that produces hormones in response to stress. This zone excludes the hormone class known as mineralocorticoids, of which Aldosterone is the most abundant. Several diseases can affect Zona glomerulosa, causing the gland to excessively or insufficiently produce specific hormones and disrupt how the body metabolizes minerals. In Latin it means glomus ball. "Zona" simply means "zone" or layer. Glomerulose cells appear in arches or clusters and are commonly shaped by ovals. These cells arranged in the cord run around the blood capillaries across the adrenal gland.
Adrenal glands consist of three layers of cells, of which the layer of glomerulose is the thinnest outer layer. Surrounding Zona glomerulose is a capsule of tissue and muscle that protects the gland. Zona Fasciculata and Zona Reticularis form zones. The cells in three layers are very similar, although the types of enzymes present in each differ and cause to produce different ones in each of themhormones.
Mineralocorticoids are corticosteroid hormones produced in Zona glomerulosa. These hormones, especially aldosterone, affect how the body uses minerals and are responsible for regulating blood pressure by balancing water and salt in the blood. Aldosterone helps the kidneys reabsorb sodium and water and releases potassium, which affects blood volume and blood pressure. It also affects sweat glands, salivary glands and stomach. Re-adorption of water and retention of chloride molecules cause cells to expand and induce salt adsorption.
stimulation of aldosterone production in Zona glomerulosa is influenced by an increase in potassium ions in the blood and concentration of angiotensin II, a peptide that causes blood vessels. These chemicals cause calcium ions to move to glomerulos cells and activate enzymes. At present, scientists do not fully understand the calcium movement mechanism.
Although cancer in the adrenal glands is very very inIn the Zona Glomerulosa, one malignant type, adrenocortical carcinoma may develop. Although it grows in the outer layer, it can cause changes in hormone levels produced by any part of the adrenal glands, including cortisol, testosterone or estrogen, as well as aldosterone. Age and certain genetic conditions are usually the largest risk factors for this form of cancer.
other conditions may affect Zona glomerulosa, including hyperaldosteronism, also known as Conn's syndrome. Hyperaldosteronism may be caused by a tumor or as a result of a second state. It causes overproduction of aldosterone, which usually leads to high blood pressure, fatigue and weakness of muscles.