Adrenal cortex. Light micrograph of a section through a healthy adrenal cortex (dark purple). The adrenal glands are found on top of the kidneys. They are part of the endocrine system, producing hormones and releasing them into the bloodstream. Among the hormones the cortex synthesises are the stress hormone cortisol, the male sex hormone testosterone, and aldosterone, which is released in response to low blood volume.