Loading your learn pack…
Read the summary, then start training!
Adrenal glands are paired, retroperitoneal endocrine organs located above the kidneys and below the diaphragm, within the renal fascia.
The adrenal glands (suprarenal glands) are endocrine glands located in the retroperitoneum above the kidneys, slightly medial and just below the diaphragm. Each gland is surrounded by a fatty capsule and lies within the renal fascia, with a weak connective-tissue septum separating it from the kidney. In humans, the right adrenal gland is typically pyramidal while the left is semilunar/crescent-shaped and somewhat larger. Grossly, each gland is about 5 cm long, 3 cm wide, and up to 1 cm thick, with a combined adult weight of roughly 7–10 g, and has a yellowish appearance. Gross anatomy includes two main parts: the outer adrenal cortex and the inner medulla. The cortex is the largest portion and is divided into three zones: zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis. The medulla lies centrally and is surrounded by the cortex. The adrenal glands have a rich blood supply (many small arteries entering each gland) and are drained by suprarenal veins, with a central adrenomedullary vein in the medulla that has distinctive smooth-muscle organization. Variations can include absent or fused glands and unusual cortical development or location.
Adrenal glands are paired, retroperitoneal endocrine organs located above the kidneys and below the diaphragm, within the renal fascia.
Each adrenal gland has two gross regions: an outer cortex (three zones) and an inner medulla.
The cortex is organized into zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis, while the medulla occupies the center and produces catecholamines.
Adrenal glands have very high blood supply and are drained by suprarenal veins; the medulla contains a distinctive central adrenomedullary vein.
There is anatomical variability, including possible absence, fusion, or unusual development/location of adrenal tissue.
The outer region of the adrenal gland, divided into zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis, responsible for steroid hormone production.
The outermost cortical zone that primarily produces mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone.
The middle, largest cortical zone that primarily produces glucocorticoids such as cortisol.
The innermost cortical zone that primarily produces androgens such as DHEA and androstenedione.
The central part of the adrenal gland that produces catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline).
Veins that drain venous blood from the adrenal glands, typically one per gland, into major venous channels.
A distinctive vein within the adrenal medulla with conspicuous longitudinal smooth-muscle bundles in its vessel wall.
“Can you explain what "Adrenal glands are paired, retroperitoneal endocrine organs located above the kidneys and below the diaphragm, within the renal fascia." means in simple terms?”