Which of the following steroids is an adrenal cortical hormone?

• A. Angiotensinogen
• B. Aldosterone
• C. Epinephrine
• D. Growth hormone

Answer: (B)

Aldosterone is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. It’s a mineralocorticoid that acts on the kidney to increase sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion, helping to regulate blood volume and pressure. Steroid hormones come from cholesterol and are lipid-soluble, allowing them to influence gene expression via intracellular receptors. Aldosterone release mainly follows the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and plasma potassium levels, highlighting its role in electrolyte balance.

Angiotensinogen, produced by the liver, is a protein and not a steroid. Epinephrine is a catecholamine released from the adrenal medulla, not the cortex. Growth hormone is a peptide from the pituitary gland. Therefore, aldosterone is the adrenal cortical steroid hormone.