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Adrenal glands are located above the kidneys in the retroperitoneum and consist of cortex (outer) and medulla (inner).
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.
Adrenal glands are located above the kidneys in the retroperitoneum and consist of cortex (outer) and medulla (inner).
The cortex has three zones—glomerulosa, fasciculata, and reticularis—each specialized for producing different hormone classes.
The medulla produces catecholamines (adrenaline/noradrenaline) from chromaffin cells and is regulated by sympathetic nervous system signaling.
The outer part of the adrenal gland, organized into three zones that produce steroid hormones.
The outermost cortical zone that primarily synthesizes aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid involved in blood pressure and electrolyte regulation.
The middle and largest cortical zone that produces glucocorticoids such as cortisol.
The innermost cortical zone that produces androgens such as DHEA and androstenedione.
The central part of the adrenal gland that produces catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) from chromaffin cells.
Medullary cells that synthesize and release catecholamines into the bloodstream.
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