The adrenal cortex is essential for life, as opposed to the adrenal medulla which is important but not indispensable. 1  The anterior pituitary controls the adrenal cortex by secreting the hormone ACTH. All of the secretions of the adrenal cortex are known as steroids, many of which can now be manufactured synthetically.
royal court - the family and retinue of a sovereign or prince. court. entourage, retinue, cortege, suite - the group following and attending to some important person.
case law - (civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions. common law, precedent. service - (law) the acts performed by an English feudal tenant for the benefit of his lord which formed the consideration for the property granted to him.