Which gland is responsible for producing cortisol?

The adrenal gland is responsible for producing cortisol, a steroid hormone crucial for various bodily functions, especially in response to stress. Cortisol plays a significant role in regulating metabolism, reducing inflammation, and controlling the body’s sleep-wake cycle.

This gland is located on top of each kidney and consists of several layers, with the zona fasciculata specifically producing cortisol. The secretion of this hormone is part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, wherein the hypothalamus triggers the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland, which then stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol.

Other glands, like the thyroid, pancreas, and pituitary, have different functions. The thyroid gland primarily regulates metabolism through hormones like thyroxine. The pancreas produces insulin and glucagon, which are key in glucose regulation. The pituitary gland, often termed the "master gland," regulates various hormones but does not produce cortisol directly; it influences the adrenal glands through ACTH. Understanding the distinct roles of these glands emphasizes why the adrenal gland is indeed the correct answer regarding cortisol production.