Corticoids, which regulate the balance of water and electrolytes in our body is called mineralocorticoids. Aldosterone is the main mineralocorticoid in our body. It is formed from zona glomerulosa. Aldosterone acts mainly at the renal tubules and stimulates the reabsorption of Na+ and water and excretion of K+ and phosphate ions. Thus, aldosterone helps in the maintenance of electrolytes, body fluid volume, osmotic pressure, and blood pressure.

The corticoids, which are involved in carbohydrate metabolism are called glucocorticoids and they are released from zona fasciculata. In our body, cortisol is the main glucocorticoid. Glucocorticoids stimulate, gluconeogenesis, lipolysis, and proteolysis; and inhibit cellular uptake and utilization of amino acids. Cortisol is also involved in maintaining the cardiovascular system as well as the kidney functions. Glucocorticoids, particularly cortisol, produce anti-inflammatory reactions and suppress the immune response. Cortisol stimulates RBC production.