Final answer:
Cortisol, a glucocorticoid hormone, is produced in the Zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex and is pivotal in managing the body's metabolism of proteins, fats, and sugars.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cortisol is a steroid hormone in the glucocorticoid class that is synthesized in the Zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex. This layer is situated as the middle region of the adrenal cortex, accounting for approximately 80 percent of its structure. The cells in this zone are responsible for producing glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone. Cortisol plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism, helping to control the rate of metabolism of proteins, fats, and sugars, and increases the level of glucose and fatty acids in the blood. The production of cortisol is regulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.