Question

Major adrenal androgen is?

• A. Testosterone
• B. 11-hydroxy derivative of androstenedione
• C. 17-ketosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone
• D. Cortisol

Hint:

Think zona reticularis: the chief adrenal androgen is a 17-ketosteroid, not testosterone.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: The adrenal cortex secretes several androgens from the zona reticularis. Among these, the principal androgen produced in the largest amount is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a 17-ketosteroid.

Step 2: DHEA and its sulphate (DHEAS) are the dominant adrenal androgens, although androstenedione is also secreted in smaller quantity. These are weak androgens that can be converted peripherally to more potent forms.

Step 3: Why the other options are wrong: Testosterone (a) is the major androgen of the testis, not the adrenal. Cortisol (d) is a glucocorticoid, not an androgen. The 11-hydroxy derivative of androstenedione (b) is a minor product and not the major adrenal androgen.

Step 4: Hence the major adrenal androgen is the 17-ketosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone, option (c).