Question

Does the Adrenal cortex secrete epinephrine?

Answer 1

Epinephrine is extracted from adrenal medulla. Epinephrine is mostly released during stress of any kind or in an emergency situation. Hence epinephrine is not secreted by the adrenal cortex but medulla. This hormone is also termed as an emergency hormone and secreted from the adrenal gland.

Complete answer:
Adrenal gland secretes hormones which help in regulation of metabolism, immunity in the body, blood pressure and responsibility for stress and other functions. As we know, the adrenal gland has two parts- cortex and medulla which produce different hormones.
When an adrenal gland cannot produce hormones due to certain deformities this can lead to adrenal insufficiency called Addison’s disease. Excessive or insufficient hormone release can lead to various health issues.
The adrenal cortex is the exterior part of the organ and it is the largest region also. It is divided into three parts and the regions/parts are responsible for secretion of specific hormones. Adrenal medulla on the other hand, is the inner region of the organ and present at the center of the adrenal gland.
It is responsible for the secretion of a stress hormone called adrenaline also known as epinephrine. Hence, epinephrine is secreted by adrenal medulla not adrenal cortex.
Both the outer and inner regions of adrenal gland are encapsulated by an adipose capsule which provides protection to the adrenal gland. The cortex secretes steroid hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone.

Note:
Epinephrine also increases blood pressure, elevates heart rate and provides energy to the body. Being the primary stress hormone, it increases the sugar level in the bloodstream, which enhances the glucose and the availability of repair tissues. other stress hormones like- cortisol, catecholamines, thyroid hormones etc.