Intermediate Adrenal Cortex Quiz

Q1. How are cells of the zona glomerulosa typically arranged histologically?

• Rounded or arched clusters
• Concentric keratinized layers
• Long straight cords only
• Large medullary nests

Q2. How are cells of the zona fasciculata typically arranged?

• Stratified epithelial sheets
• Dense neural ganglia
• Long straight cords separated by sinusoids
• Rounded subcapsular clusters

Q3. Why do zona fasciculata cells often appear pale or vacuolated on routine histology?

• The cells contain large air spaces
• Their nuclei dissolve during fixation
• They are filled with lymph
• Stored lipid is removed during tissue processing

Q4. How are cells of the zona reticularis typically arranged?

• Long parallel skeletal muscle fibers
• Rounded follicles filled with colloid
• Anastomosing irregular cords
• Keratinized epithelial plates

Q5. Which pigment may accumulate in cells of the zona reticularis with age?

• Lipofuscin
• Hemosiderin in every normal cell
• Melanin only
• Bilirubin crystals

Q6. From which embryologic tissue does the adrenal cortex develop?

• Foregut endoderm
• Surface ectoderm
• Neural crest
• Mesoderm

Q7. Which regulatory system is most important for aldosterone secretion from the zona glomerulosa?

• Growth hormone
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone
• Vagus nerve activity alone
• Renin-angiotensin system and plasma potassium

Q8. Which pituitary hormone is a major trophic regulator of the zona fasciculata and zona reticularis?

• TSH
• FSH
• ACTH
• Oxytocin

Q9. What type of capillary network courses between cords of adrenal cortical cells?

• Continuous capillaries of the blood-brain barrier
• Fenestrated sinusoidal capillaries
• Lymphatic sinuses only
• Avascular connective tissue spaces

Q10. What happens to cortical blood after it passes through adrenal cortical sinusoids?

• It returns outward through the capsule only
• It flows inward toward the medulla and central venous drainage
• It drains directly into the renal pelvis
• It enters the peritoneal cavity