Anatomy of the adrenal gland Flashcards
Where are the adrenal glands located
Superior to the kidneys in the renal fascia and posterior to parts of the diaphragm
What is the right adrenal gland behind
Liver and IVC
What is the left adrenal gland behind
Stomach and pancreas
How many layers does the outer cortex have
3
What is the embryological origin of the outer cortex
Mesoderm
What does the outer cortex of the adrenal gland secrete
Steroid hormones with cholesterol precursors
What is secretion of the outer cortex controlled by
Pituitary
What is the inner medulla of the adrenal gland derived from
Neural crest
What does the inner medulla of the adrenal gland secrete
Catecholamines: adrenaline and noradrenaline
What control is the secretion of the inner medulla of the adrenal gland under
SNS control- augments the SNS response
What is blood supply of the adrenal glands from and where do they come from
3 suprarenal each side
- Superior (from phrenic)
- Middle (from AA)
- Inferior (from renal arteries)
What is the venous supply of the adrenal glands and what do they drain into
1 each side-
Right-IVC
Left-left renal vein
What is Addison’s disease
Hypoadrenalism (no secretion of any hormones)
What is Conn’s syndrome
Hyperadrenamism: Oversecretion of mineralocorticoids
What is Cushing’s syndrome
Hyperadrenalism
Oversecretion of glucocorticoids
