Final answer:
Cortisol and aldosterone are corticosteroids, belonging to the mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid groups respectively, regulating ion balance and metabolic processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cortisol and aldosterone are both adrenocortical hormones, which are a subset of hormones produced by the adrenal glands located near the kidneys.
These hormones fall into the category of corticosteroids, which are steroid hormones made of lipids. Corticosteroids function by penetrating target cell membranes and interacting with receptors inside the cells to influence gene expression.
Aldosterone is a type of mineralocorticoid that regulates the balance of sodium and potassium ions in the body, while cortisol is a glucocorticoid, managing various metabolic processes, including glucose production, and it plays a role in the inflammatory response and in controlling stress levels.
In both cases, these hormones work by affecting ion concentrations and metabolism to maintain homeostasis within the body.