Adrenal Gland Structure, Hormones, and Disorders

Adrenal gland location and overall structure

The adrenal glands (suprarenal glands) are paired endocrine organs located in the retroperitoneum above the kidneys, slightly medial and just below the diaphragm. Each gland has an outer adrenal cortex and an inner adrenal medulla, and they are surrounded by a fatty capsule within the renal fascia. In humans, the right adrenal gland is typically pyramidal while the left is semilunar/crescent-shaped and somewhat larger. Adult glands are about 5 cm long, 3 cm wide, and up to 1 cm thick, with a combined weight of roughly 7–10 grams. The adrenal cortex is the largest outer region and is organized into three zones: zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis. The zona glomerulosa (outermost) produces aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid) and is the main site of aldosterone synthesis. The zona fasciculata (largest zone) produces glucocorticoids such as cortisol, while the zona reticularis (innermost cortical layer) produces androgens including DHEA and androstenedione. The adrenal medulla lies at the center of the gland and contains chromaffin cells that produce catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline), releasing them into the bloodstream in response to sympathetic nervous system input.

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Adrenal cortex zones and hormone roles

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