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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

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 Glands|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 [[Adrenal Glands - Anatomy & Physiology#Adrenal Glands|zona glomerulosa]]; [[Adrenal Glands - Anatomy & Physiology#Glucocorticoids|glucocorticoids]] include cortisol (from the [[Adrenal Glands - Anatomy & Physiology#Adrenal Glands|zona fasiculata]]) and corticosterone (from the [[Adrenal Glands - Anatomy & Physiology#Adrenal Glands|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.

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 Glands|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 [[Adrenal Glands - Anatomy & Physiology#Adrenal Glands|zona glomerulosa]]; [[Adrenal Glands - Anatomy & Physiology#Glucocorticoids|glucocorticoids]] include cortisol (from the [[Adrenal Glands - Anatomy & Physiology#Adrenal Glands|zona fasiculata]]) and corticosterone (from the [[Adrenal Glands - Anatomy & Physiology#Adrenal Glands|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 [[Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System|renin angiotensin aldosterone system]] controls [[Adrenal Glands - Anatomy & Physiology#Mineralocorticoids|mineralocorticoid]] levels.