Which part of the adrenal gland is correctly paired with the type of substance it secretes?

The zona fasciculata of the adrenal gland is accurately associated with the secretion of cortisol, which is a glucocorticoid. This region is located in the adrenal cortex, the outer part of the adrenal gland, and it plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress, metabolism, and immune regulation. Cortisol helps to regulate various functions, including glucose metabolism, blood sugar levels, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Understanding the specific functionalities of the adrenal gland and its regions clarifies why the pairing of zona fasciculata with cortisol is the correct choice. In contrast, the other options either misattribute the secretions to the wrong layer of the adrenal gland or associate the incorrect type of hormone with that layer. For instance, the adrenal medulla is known for secreting catecholamines like epinephrine and norepinephrine, not corticotropin, while the zona glomerulosa primarily produces aldosterone, and the zona reticularis produces androgens. This contextual knowledge of adrenal gland structure and function highlights the accurate match of the zona fasciculata with cortisol.