Which tissue is a known source of steroid hormone production?

• A. Adrenal Cortex
• B. Adrenal Medulla
• C. Liver
• D. Muscle

Answer: (A)

Steroid hormones are produced by tissues equipped with steroidogenic cells that convert cholesterol into the various lipid-soluble hormones. The adrenal cortex fits this role, containing distinct zones that synthesize mineralocorticoids (like aldosterone), glucocorticoids (like cortisol), and adrenal androgens. These hormones are lipid-soluble and act inside target cells to regulate metabolism, electrolyte balance, and stress responses.

The adrenal medulla, on the other hand, makes catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) from amino acids, which are not steroids. The liver and muscle do not majorly produce steroid hormones themselves; they may metabolize or respond to steroids but are not primary steroidogenic tissues.

So, the adrenal cortex is the tissue known for steroid hormone production.