corticosteroid

n. any of the steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, the outer layer of the adrenal gland. They include the glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol), which are involved in carbohydrate metabolism; and the mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone), which have a role in electrolyte balance and sodium retention. Also called adrenocorticoid.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

May 10th 2024

sex-chromosomal aberration

any disorder of structure, function, or both that is associated with the complete or partial absence of a sex chromosome or with the presence of extra sex chromosomes. Examples of such disorders are Klinefelter’s syndrome, XYY syndrome, and Turner syndrome.