Zona reticularis
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The zona reticularis is the innermost layer of the adrenal cortex, lying deep to the zona fasciculata and superficial to the adrenal medulla. The cells are arranged cords that project in different directions giving a net-like appearance (L. reticulum - net)[1].
Cells in the zona reticularis produce precursor sex hormones including dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate and androstenedione from cholesterol[2]. The precursors are not further converted in the adrenal cortex as the cells lack 17β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Instead, they are released into the blood stream and taken up in the testis and ovaries to produce testosterone and the estrogens respectively.
^ Histology: A Text and Atlas, 5th ed. Ross and Pawlina. ^ Wheater's Functional Histology, 5th ed. Young, Lowe, Stevens and Heath.
[edit] External links
Histology at BU 14502loa Anatomy Atlases - Microscopic Anatomy, plate 15.292 - "Adrenal Gland"
