Corticoid

Corticoid, also corticosteroid, any steroid hormone that derives from the outer layer, or cortex, of the adrenal gland. Among the corticoids are the glucocorticoids, such as cortisone and cortisol (see Hydrocortisone), essential to metabolism and the body's reaction to stress; and the mineralocorticoids, which have other important regulatory functions, such as maintaining ion balance. The adrenal cortex also secretes sex hormones, although these are produced in much greater quantities by the testes and ovaries. See Endocrine System; Steroids.