Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Test

Aldosterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance. It is synthesized in the adrenal cortex, which is the outer layer of the adrenal glands located on top of the kidneys. The adrenal cortex produces several important hormones, including corticosteroids like cortisol and aldosterone.

Aldosterone specifically functions to increase sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, which leads to an increase in water retention and consequently blood volume and blood pressure. Understanding the role of the adrenal cortex and its hormones is vital for those studying renal physiology, particularly in the context of conditions treated by dialysis.

The other options listed are not relevant to aldosterone synthesis. The kidneys, while involved in the regulation of aldosterone through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, do not produce aldosterone themselves. The liver plays a significant role in metabolism and detoxification but is not involved in hormone synthesis in the context of aldosterone. The pancreas primarily secretes insulin and glucagon, hormones related to blood sugar regulation, rather than aldosterone.