Intermediate Zona Reticularis Quiz
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This quiz contains 10 questions. Click below to begin.
Q1. What histologic feature gives the zona reticularis its name?
- A single sheet of cuboidal epithelium
- Parallel skeletal muscle fascicles
- A network of branching cellular cords
- A layer of glomerulus-like renal corpuscles
Q2. What type of capillaries course between zona reticularis cell cords?
- Avascular connective tissue channels
- Continuous blood-brain barrier capillaries
- Fenestrated sinusoidal capillaries
- Lymphatic vessels only
Q3. Which organelles are prominent in zona reticularis cells because of steroid synthesis?
- Smooth endoplasmic reticulum and steroidogenic mitochondria
- Large rough ER cisternae for peptide storage only
- Cilia and myofibrils
- Keratin bundles
Q4. Which precursor provides the basic substrate for steroidogenesis in the zona reticularis?
- Glycogen
- Hemoglobin
- Creatinine
- Cholesterol
Q5. Which enzyme activity allows zona reticularis cells to participate in androgen synthesis?
- Aldosterone synthase exclusively
- PNMT
- CYP17A1
- Renin
Q6. Which enzyme favors DHEA production by converting pregnenolone-derived intermediates toward sulfated adrenal androgen?
- Dopamine beta-hydroxylase
- Tyrosine hydroxylase
- Acetylcholinesterase
- SULT2A1
Q7. How does ACTH affect the zona reticularis?
- It completely suppresses androgen synthesis
- It stimulates steroidogenesis and supports cortical tissue
- It converts reticularis cells into chromaffin cells
- It is the primary regulator of aldosterone through AT1 receptors
Q8. What is the general direction of sinusoidal blood flow through the zona reticularis?
- Outward from the medulla only
- Inward toward the adrenal medulla
- Into the renal pelvis
- Directly into the peritoneal cavity
Q9. Why do zona reticularis cells often stain more deeply than zona fasciculata cells?
- They contain abundant cartilage
- They are filled with air
- They contain less lipid and may contain lipofuscin
- They lack nuclei
Q10. At what life stage does a distinct zona reticularis become especially established?
- Before implantation
- Only during fetal life
- Only after age 70
- Childhood, particularly around adrenarche