In the human endocrine system, a spongiocyte is a cell in the

zona fasciculata The ''zona fasciculata'' (sometimes, fascicular or fasciculate zone) constitutes the middle and also the widest zone of the adrenal cortex, sitting directly beneath the ''zona glomerulosa''. Constituent cells are organized into bundles or "fasc ...

of the

adrenal cortex The adrenal cortex is the outer region and also the largest part of the adrenal gland. It is divided into three separate zones: zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata and zona reticularis. Each zone is responsible for producing specific hormones. I ...

containing

lipid Lipids are a broad group of organic compounds which include fats, waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E and K), monoglycerides, diglycerides, phospholipids, and others. The functions of lipids include storing ...

droplets that show pronounced vacuolization, due to the way the cells are prepared for microscopic examination. The lipid droplets contain neutral fats, fatty acids, cholesterol, and phospholipids; all of which are precursors to the steroid hormones secreted by the adrenal glands. The principal hormone secreted from the cells of the

are glucocorticoids, but some androgens are produced as well.

References

* The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary * Histology, 5th Edition; Michael H. Ross and W. Pawlina Chapter 21, Endocrine Organs Endocrine system {{Anatomy-stub