zona reticularis

Introduction

inner-most zone of adrenal cortex

Function

• cells synthesize
  • mainly weak androgens - dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
  • also some glucocorticoids, mainly cortisol, but in lesser amounts than the zona fasciculata
• regulated by CRH-ACTH system

Histology

• light & dark cells; smaller than in zona fasciculata arranged in anastomosing cords separated by fenestrated capillaries
• relatively few lipid droplets

More general terms

• endocrine gland

Component of

• adrenal cortex