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Pharmacology of Glucocorticoids: An Overview

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Adrenal Disorders

Part of the book series: Contemporary Endocrinology ((COE))

Abstract

The adult human adrenal is composed of two parts: the cortex, which is the outer part, representing 90% of its weight, and the medulla, or inner part of the gland. The adrenal cortex is made up of three zones: the zona glomerulosa (outermost), the zona fasciculata (middle), and the zona reticularis (innermost, next to the medulla). Glucocorticoids are synthesized mainly in the zona fasciculata,which constitutes 75% of the weight of the adrenal gland (Fig. 1).

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Gravanis, A., Margioris, A.N. (2001). Pharmacology of Glucocorticoids: An Overview. In: Margioris, A.N., Chrousos, G.P. (eds) Adrenal Disorders. Contemporary Endocrinology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-101-5_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-101-5_4

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-61737-029-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-101-5

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