The zona reticularis (inner region of the adrenal cortex) secretes and synthesize small amounts of weak androgens, steroids that have masculinizing effects. The cells of the inner zone are arranged in branching cords. In mammals, the adrenal glands are the triangle-shaped endocrine glands that sit atop the kidneys. ... Androgen is the generic term for any natural or synthetic compound, usually a steroid hormone, that stimulates or controls the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics in vertebrates. ... In chemistry and biology, Steroids are a type of lipid, characterized by a carbon skeleton with four fused rings. ...
Beneath the glomerulosa are the zonae fasciculata and reticularis, which produce glucocorticoids (eg, cortisol) and weak androgens (eg, dehydroepiandrosterone).
The innermost layer of the adrenal cortex, the zonareticularis sits beneath the zona fasciculata and atop the adrenal medulla.
It is thought that the zonareticularis is the principal source of glucocorticoids and adrenal androgens, with the zona fasciculata activating only after prolonged stimulation.
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