The most inferior region of the adrenal cortex is the zona reticularis. The zona reticularis is responsible for producing dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a fat-soluble, steroid hormone and androgen.
DHEA is an essential intermediate for multiple biosynthesis reactions in the body including making androgens and sex hormones. DHEA also has the ability to act directly on certain neurotransmitter receptors.
Androgens are the steroid hormones that influence the development of male characteristics. They include testosterone and DHEA and are produced in the testes, ovaries, and adrenal glands.
