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Steroids are 21-carbon, 4-ring molecules, with biologically active steroids have a double covalent bond between carbon atoms 4 and 5, and a ketone groups at C3. The body endogenously produces steroids which are essential for life; they regulate a variety of functions under normal physiological conditions and have important roles in response to stress. These steroids are  produced in the adrenal cortex and are therefore known as "corticosteroids". The corticosteroids can be further divided to mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids which are synthesised in different areas of the cortex. Mineralocorticoids (such as aldosterone) are produced in the zona glomerulosa; glucocorticoids include cortisol (from the zona fasiculata) and corticosterone (from the zona reticularis). There is some overlap in function of mineralo- and gluco-corticoids.

Steroids are 21-carbon, 4-ring molecules, with biologically active steroids have a double covalent bond between carbon atoms 4 and 5, and a ketone group at C3. The body endogenously produces steroids which are essential for life; they regulate a variety of functions under normal physiological conditions and have important roles in response to stress. These steroids are  produced in the [[Adrenal Glands - Anatomy & Physiology|adrenal cortex]] and are therefore known as "corticosteroids". The corticosteroids can be further divided to [[Adrenal Glands - Anatomy & Physiology#Mineralocorticoids|mineralocorticoids]] and [[Adrenal Glands - Anatomy & Physiology#Glucocorticoids|glucocorticoids]] which are synthesised in different areas of the cortex. [[Adrenal Glands - Anatomy & Physiology#Mineralocorticoids|mineralocorticoids]] (such as aldosterone) are produced in the zona glomerulosa; [[Adrenal Glands - Anatomy & Physiology#Glucocorticoids|glucocorticoids]] include cortisol (from the zona fasiculata) and corticosterone (from the zona reticularis). Corticosteroids are synthesised from plasma cholesterol which is stored in the adrenal gland and assimilated to corticosteroids as they are required. Endogenous glucocorticoid levels are regulated by the [[Adrenal Glands - Anatomy & Physiology#Glucocorticoids|hypothalamus-pituitary adrenal axis]], whereas the [[Important Hormonal Regulators of the Kidney - Anatomy & Physiology#The Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS)|renin angiotensin aldosterone system]] controls [[Adrenal Glands - Anatomy & Physiology#Mineralocorticoids|mineralocorticoid]] levels.

 

Corticosteroids are synthesised from plasma cholesterol. This is stored in the adrenal gland and corticosteroids are assimilated and released as they are required.