AEMCA Practice Exam

From which part of the body is aldosterone secreted?

1. Pancreas

2. Thyroid gland

3. Adrenal cortex

4. Hypothalamus

The correct answer is: Adrenal cortex

Aldosterone is a hormone that is secreted from the adrenal cortex, which is the outer portion of the adrenal glands located on top of each kidney. This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance by promoting the reabsorption of sodium and the excretion of potassium in the kidneys. The secretion of aldosterone is primarily stimulated by the renin-angiotensin system in response to low blood pressure or low sodium levels. Understanding the specific role and location of aldosterone secretion is essential, as it highlights the significance of the adrenal cortex in the endocrine system. The other options, such as the pancreas, thyroid gland, and hypothalamus, are involved in different hormonal functions and regulatory processes but do not secrete aldosterone. The pancreas is responsible for insulin and glucagon secretion, the thyroid gland regulates metabolism through thyroid hormones, and the hypothalamus links the nervous system to the endocrine system by producing releasing hormones.