Answer:
Destruction of the majority of the adrenal cortex would most likely result in decreased levels of mineralocorticoids, sex corticoids and glucocorticoids.
Explanation:
Adrenal glands are conical pyramid shaped glands. A pair of glands present above each kidney. It has an outer adrenal cortex region and inner adrenal medulla. Cortex and medulla secrete different hormones and are also regulated in different ways.
Adrenal cortex has three layers:
a. Outer zona glomerulosa: secretes mineralocorticoids like aldosterone - regulates the metabolism of sodium and potassium.
b. Middle zona fasciculata: secretes glucocorticoids like cortisol - regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
c. Inner zona reticularis: secretes sex corticoids like Androstenedione - stimulates the development of external sexual characteristics in males.
In a condition called Addison's disease, major part of the adrenal cortex is destroyed which results in deficiency of both mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids. Symptoms include bronze like pigmentation of skin, low BP, low plasma levels of Na+, high plasma levels of K+, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
