What is a common characteristic of hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex?

Hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex are predominantly steroids, which is a hallmark characteristic distinct from hormones produced by other glands in the body. The adrenal cortex is responsible for synthesizing several steroid hormones, including corticosteroids (like cortisol and aldosterone) and sex steroids (like androgens). Steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol and possess a common structural backbone that allows them to pass through cell membranes easily and bind to intracellular receptors, initiating specific gene transcription processes within target cells.

The predominance of steroid hormones reflects the role of the adrenal cortex in regulating various physiological processes, such as stress response, metabolism, immune function, and electrolyte balance. This is in contrast to the other types of hormones mentioned, such as peptides and proteins, which are generally much larger molecules that don't share the same ability to diffuse through cell membranes. Understanding this distinction is crucial in comprehending how different hormone classes function in the body.