What does the zona reticulata primarily produce?

The zona reticulata is the innermost layer of the adrenal cortex, and its primary function is the production of sex hormones, specifically androgens such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone. These hormones are responsible for the development of male characteristics and play roles in various physiological processes in both males and females, including sexual function and libido.

While the other zones of the adrenal cortex are responsible for different hormone productions—like the zona glomerulosa which produces mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone, and the zona fasciculata which produces glucocorticoids such as cortisol—the zona reticulata is distinctly focused on producing sex hormones. This differentiation is crucial in understanding the hormonal pathways and functions of the adrenal gland in human anatomy and physiology.