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The adrenal cortex is the outer region and also the largest part of the adrenal gland. It is divided into three separate zones: zona glomerulosa , zona fasciculata and zona reticularis . Each zone is responsible for producing specific hormones.
The adrenal cortex is the outermost layer of the adrenal gland. Within the cortex are three layers, called "zones". When viewed under a microscope each layer has a distinct appearance, and each has a different function. [13] The adrenal cortex is devoted to production of hormones, namely aldosterone, cortisol, and androgens. [14]
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal cortex from cholesterol. [5] It is the primary precursor of both the androgen and estrogen sex hormones. DHEA is also called dehydroisoandrosterone or dehydroandrosterone. Androstenedione (A4) is an androgenic steroid produced by the testes, adrenal cortex, and ovaries.
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and androgen in males. [3] In humans, testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as testicles and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, and the growth of body hair.
These precursors are not further converted in the adrenal cortex if the cells lack 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Instead, they are released into the blood stream and taken up in the testicles and ovaries to produce testosterone and the estrogens respectively. ACTH partially regulates adrenal androgen secretion, [4] also CRH. [5] [6]
Issues that can affect your testosterone levels include chronic illnesses; disorders that affect your pituitary, thyroid or adrenal glands; problems with your hypothalamus; sleep difficulties ...