Final answer:
The Zona Reticularis synthesizes androgens, which are steroid sex hormones. These influence sexual functions and include DHEA, which is converted to testosterone in males and estrogens in females, particularly significant in post-menopausal individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hormones Synthesized in the Zona Reticularis:
The Zona Reticularis is the deepest layer of the adrenal cortex and is responsible for producing steroid sex hormones known as androgens. These androgens include dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and are produced in both males and females; however, they play different roles depending on the sex. In adult males, androgens from the zona reticularis are primarily converted to testosterone in the testes, whereas in adult females, these androgens are converted to estrogens in the ovaries. The androgens contribute to the sex drive, particularly in post-menopausal individuals, where the ovaries' estrogen production declines, and androgens from the zona reticularis become the main source.
These hormones are synthesized in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary gland. In the grand scheme of endocrine regulation, the production and function of these hormones are crucial for maintaining proper sexual functions and secondary sex characteristics.