American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

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Prepare for the American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam with detailed quizzes. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions to master the ABS QE topics. Get all the hints and explanations you need to succeed on your first attempt!

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What hormone is primarily produced by the zona glomerulosa?

Cortisol
Aldosterone
Androgens
Estrogens

The correct answer is: Aldosterone

The zona glomerulosa is the outermost layer of the adrenal cortex, and its primary function is the production of aldosterone. Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance, particularly by promoting sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys. This function is vital in maintaining homeostasis within the body, especially during situations of sodium deficiency or low blood pressure. The specific structures of the zona glomerulosa, including their unique enzyme systems, are tailored to the synthesis of aldosterone. While cortisol is produced in the zona fasciculata, androgens in the zona reticularis, and estrogens are not primarily produced in the adrenal cortex but rather in the ovaries or other tissues, the specific role of the zona glomerulosa in aldosterone production clearly marks it as the primary hormone produced in this layer of the adrenal cortex. Therefore, the correct identification of aldosterone as the primary hormone of the zona glomerulosa underscores its key physiological roles.