GO:0034651

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the formation of cortisol, the steroid hormone 11-beta-17,21-trihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. Cortisol is synthesized from cholesterol in the adrenal gland and controls carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties. [CHEBI:17650, GOC:BHF, GOC:mah, GOC:rl]