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?

  • Parallel skeletal muscle fascicles
  • A network of branching cellular cords
  • A layer of glomerulus-like renal corpuscles
  • A single sheet of cuboidal epithelium

Q2. What type of capillaries course between zona reticularis cell cords?

  • Lymphatic vessels only
  • Fenestrated sinusoidal capillaries
  • Avascular connective tissue channels
  • Continuous blood-brain barrier capillaries

Q3. Which organelles are prominent in zona reticularis cells because of steroid synthesis?

  • Cilia and myofibrils
  • Smooth endoplasmic reticulum and steroidogenic mitochondria
  • Keratin bundles
  • Large rough ER cisternae for peptide storage only

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?

  • CYP17A1
  • PNMT
  • Renin
  • Aldosterone synthase exclusively

Q6. Which enzyme favors DHEA production by converting pregnenolone-derived intermediates toward sulfated adrenal androgen?

  • Dopamine beta-hydroxylase
  • SULT2A1
  • Tyrosine hydroxylase
  • Acetylcholinesterase

Q7. How does ACTH affect the zona reticularis?

  • It stimulates steroidogenesis and supports cortical tissue
  • It is the primary regulator of aldosterone through AT1 receptors
  • It converts reticularis cells into chromaffin cells
  • It completely suppresses androgen synthesis

Q8. What is the general direction of sinusoidal blood flow through the zona reticularis?

  • Directly into the peritoneal cavity
  • Outward from the medulla only
  • Inward toward the adrenal medulla
  • Into the renal pelvis

Q9. Why do zona reticularis cells often stain more deeply than zona fasciculata cells?

  • They are filled with air
  • They lack nuclei
  • They contain abundant cartilage
  • They contain less lipid and may contain lipofuscin

Q10. At what life stage does a distinct zona reticularis become especially established?

  • Before implantation
  • Childhood, particularly around adrenarche
  • Only during fetal life
  • Only after age 70
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