Glucocorticoids produced by the adrenal cortex primarily affect which processes?

Glucocorticoids produced by the adrenal cortex primarily affect which processes?

• A. Glucose and protein metabolism
• B. Salt excretion
• C. Mineral balance
• D. Oxygen transport

Answer: (A)

Glucocorticoids from the adrenal cortex are best understood as regulators of metabolism that keep blood glucose available during stress. Their main action is to raise hepatic glucose production and availability by promoting gluconeogenesis, while also promoting proteolysis in muscle and other tissues to supply amino acids for that glucose-making process. In addition, they support energy supply by promoting lipolysis, providing substrates for energy when needs are high. This combination directly affects glucose and protein metabolism, which is why this option is the best fit for what these hormones primarily regulate. Salt excretion and mineral balance are more closely tied to mineralocorticoids like aldosterone and to minerals-regulating hormones (such as PTH and vitamin D), not the glucocorticoids’ main role. Oxygen transport is governed by factors like red blood cell mass and hemoglobin function, not by glucocorticoids.

Glucocorticoids from the adrenal cortex are best understood as regulators of metabolism that keep blood glucose available during stress. Their main action is to raise hepatic glucose production and availability by promoting gluconeogenesis, while also promoting proteolysis in muscle and other tissues to supply amino acids for that glucose-making process. In addition, they support energy supply by promoting lipolysis, providing substrates for energy when needs are high. This combination directly affects glucose and protein metabolism, which is why this option is the best fit for what these hormones primarily regulate.

Salt excretion and mineral balance are more closely tied to mineralocorticoids like aldosterone and to minerals-regulating hormones (such as PTH and vitamin D), not the glucocorticoids’ main role. Oxygen transport is governed by factors like red blood cell mass and hemoglobin function, not by glucocorticoids.