Final answer:
The zona fasciculata is the middle layer of the adrenal cortex responsible for producing glucocorticoids like cortisol, which are vital for glucose metabolism and stress response.
Step-by-step explanation:
The layer of the adrenal cortex that produces glucocorticoids, such as cortisol and corticosterone, is known as the zona fasciculata.
This is the middle layer of the adrenal cortex and plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism, especially in response to long-term stressors.
Hormones produced by the zona fasciculata are important for maintaining proper blood glucose levels and in regulating a response to stress by increasing glucose synthesis from fats and proteins.