Lesson 15 Flashcards
What side of the adrenal gland is harder to see?
The left side
Where do the adrenal glands sit?
Superior/medial aspect of the kidney
What is the right adrenal gland located between?
The IVC and the upper pole of the kidney near the liver
Where is the left adrenal gland located near? (2)
- Diaphragm
2. Superior posterior border of the spleen
What are the adrenal glands also known as?
Suprarenal glands
What 2 main parts is the kidney divided into?
- Cortex
2. Medulla
How many layers make up the cortex?
3
What is the endocrine tissue of the cortex made up of?
Corticosteroids
What tissue makes up the medulla?
Neurosecretory tissue
What does the medulla contain?
Catecholamines
Catecholamines
Aromatic amines that includes a number of neurotransmitters such as epinephrine and dopamine
What is on the outside of the cortex?
Capsule
What 3 layers make up the cortex?
- Zona glomerulosa
- Zona fasciculata
- Zona reticularis
What is the innermost layer of the cortex?
Zona reticularis
What is the middle layer of the cortex?
Zona fasciculata
What is the outermost layer of the cortex?
Zona glomerulosa
What does the layer zona glomerulosa make?
Mineralocorticoids
What does the layer zona fasciculata make?
Glucocorticoids
What does the layer zona reticularis make?
Gonadocorticoids
What are 2 functions of the adrenal glands?
- Regulates homeostasis in the body
2. Helps with sodium and water balance
What response do adrenal glands take part in?
Fight or flight response
What do you test for with an adrenal gland lab test? (2)
- Aldosterone
2. Cortisol
What do abnormal values of cortisol and aldosterone indicate?
Problems with the adrenal glands
Why do we not routinely image the adrenal glands? (2)
- Difficult to visualize
2. Small size
Why is it important to know the location of the adrenal glands?
If abnormal it can be identified using an ultrasound
- left side is hard to visualize
What does a normal sonographic appearance of an adrenal gland look like if seen in an adult?
This hypoechoic layer separated by hyperchoic layers
Where are the adrenal glands seen better?
In pediatric patients
What is the shape of the adrenal glands?
Pyramid shaped
Where should you look to located the right adrenal gland when scanning in transverse?
Between the upper pole of the kidney and the IVC
