What is produced in the inner zone (zona reticularis) of the adrenal cortex?Multiple choice question.cortisolsex hormonesaldosterone

Breakdown of the Problem

1. Identify the components of the adrenal cortex and their functions.
2. Determine which hormones are produced in the inner zone (zona reticularis).

Relevant Concepts

• The adrenal cortex is divided into three zones:
  1. Zona glomerulosa: produces mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone).
  2. Zona fasciculata: primarily produces glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol).
  3. Zona reticularis: produces androgens (sex hormones).

Analysis and Detail

• The inner zone of the adrenal cortex, known as the zona reticularis, is specifically responsible for the production of sex hormones, including androgens like dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione.
• Aldosterone is produced in the zona glomerulosa, while cortisol is produced in the zona fasciculata.

Verify and Summarize

• Given the roles of each zone, we can confirm that the zona reticularis is primarily associated with the production of sex hormones, not cortisol or aldosterone.

Final Answer

The correct answer is sex hormones.