Adrenal Glands

Question 1

What veins drain the Rt and Lt adrenals and what do they drain into?

Answer 1

Rt adrenal - supplied by Rt suprarenal vein and drains into IVC

Lt adrenal - supplied by inferior phrenic vein and drains into Lt RV

Question 1

Which adrenal gland is larger, Rt or Lt?

Answer 1

Lt

Question 2

The adrenals are supplies by superior, middle, and inferior suprarenal arteries. Each is a branch off what vessel? hint: three separate arteries

Answer 2

Superior - branch off the inferior phrenic A

Middle - branch off the Ao

Inferior - branch of the RA

Question 3

What are the three layers of the cortex of the adrenals?

Answer 3

Zona glomerulolsa
Zona fasciculata
Zona reticularis

Question 4

What does each layer of the cortex secrete as hormones?

Answer 4

Glomerulosa = aldosterone which regulate sodium and potassium levels

Fasciculata = Glucocorticoids: cortisol/hydrocortisone

Reticularis = Gonadocorticoids (androgens and estrogens)

Question 5

What is the medulla of the adrenal gland responsible for secreting? (hormone)

Answer 5

Epinephrine/norepinephrine - fight or flight response

Question 6

What portion of the adrenal gland is responsible for the “fight or flight” response?

A) Zona glomerulosa
B) Zona fasciculata
C) Medulla
D) Zona reticularis

Answer 6

C

Question 7

What is responsible for secreting ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)?

A) Anterior pituitary
B) Hypothalamus
C) Posterior pituitary
D) Adrenal medulla

Answer 7

A

Question 8

What pathology is characterized by hypoadrenalism/hypocorticism?

A) Cushing’s
B) Addison’s
C) Conn’s
D) Marfan’s

Answer 8

B

Question 9

What pathology is characterized by hyperadrenalism/hypercorticism?

A) Cushing’s
B) Addison’s
C) Conn’s
D) Marfan’s

Answer 9

A

Question 10

What pathology is characterized by hyperaldosteronism?

A) Cushing’s
B) Addison’s
C) Conn’s
D) Marfan’s

Answer 10

C

Question 11

Normal adrenal glands appear?

A) Homogenous and hyperechoic
B) Homogenous and hypoechoic
C) Heterogenous and hyperechoic
D) Heterogenous and hypoechoic

Answer 11

B

Question 12

Which adrenal has an inverted Y or V shape?

Which adrenal has a semilunar or triangular shape?

Answer 12

Y or V shape = Rt

Triangular/semilunar = Lt

Question 13

Acute hypoadrenalism is also known as?

Answer 13

Waterhouse Friderichson Syndrome

Question 14

Pheochromocytoma is an adrenal tumor involving which layer?

A) Zona glomerulosa
B) Zona fasciculata
C) Medulla
D) Zona reticularis

Answer 14

C - the rule of “10”

Question 15

Signs and symptoms of pheochromocytoma?

Answer 15

Tachycardia, hypertension, night sweats, headache - clinically presents in ages 25-50 yrs

Question 16

What is the anatomic relationship of the Lt adrenal gland?

A) Anterior to the panc tail
B) Superolateral to the left kidney
C) Lateral to the Ao and crus
D) Inferior and lateral to splenic hilum

Answer 16

C - it is also superomedial to the Lt kidney

Question 17

What is the anatomic relationship of the Rt adrenal gland?

A) Medial to the IVC
B) Superolateral to upper pole of kidney
C) Posterior to IVC
D) Medial to the crus of diaphragm

Answer 17

C - adrenals are inferior to the diaphragm