The cortex and medulla synthesise different hormones. Medulla – derived from the ectodermal neural crest cells.Cortex – derived from the embryonic mesoderm.They are two separate endocrine glands, with different embryological origins: The outer cortex and inner medulla are the functional portions of the gland. The adrenal glands consist of an outer connective tissue capsule, a cortex and a medulla. Veins and lymphatics leave each gland via the hilum, but arteries and nerves enter the glands at numerous sites.