Adrenal gland anatomy Flashcards
Where are the adrenals found?
Above the kidneys
In the posterior abdomen
Between the superomedial kidney and diaphragm
What is the difference in shape of the left and right adrenal?
Right - pyramidal
Left - Semi-lunar
What is the name of the fascia that encloses the kidneys and adrenals?
Perinephric (or renal) fasica
What separates the kidneys from the adrenals?
Perinephric fat
Name the main structural features of the adrenal glands
Capsule
Cortex
Medulla
Hilum
How do arteries enter the adrenal glands?
At numerous different sites
How do veins and lymphatics enter the adrenal glands?
Through the hilum
What is the cortex of the adrenal gland derived from embryologically?
Embryonic mesoderm
What is the medulla of the adrenal gland derived from embryologically?
Ectodermal neural crest cells
Name the 3 regions that the cortex can be divided into - from superficial to deep.
Zona glomerulosa
Zona fasciculata
Zona reticularis
What is the difference in colour of the cortex and the medulla?
Cortex - yellowish
Medulla - dark brown
What’s the blood supply to the adrenals?
Superior adrenal artery - from inferior phrenic artery
Middle adrenal artery - from abdominal aorta
Inferior adrenal artery - from renal arteries
Describe venous drainage of the adrenals?
Right and left adrenal veins
Where do the right and left adrenal veins drain into?
Right - IVC
Left - Left renal vein
Useful way to remember the layers of the adrenal cortex?
GFR (outside > in)
Glomerulosa
Fasciculata
Reticularis
