Suprarenal Gland Flashcards
Is suprarenal gland peritoneal or what?
Retroperitoneal
Subdivisions of the Suprarenal Gland
Outer cortex (mesodermal) - steroidal hormones. has 3 zones
outer/ zona glomerulosa - mineralocorticoids (affect electrolyte and water balance)
Middle/ Zona fasciculate - glucocorticoids
Inner/ Zona Reticularis - Sex hormones
Inner medulla ( Neural Crest origin) (1/10th of organ) - Composed of chromaffin cells that secrete adrenaline and noradrenaline. Autonomic ganglion also seen. Cells are present in groups
Location of suprarenal gland
In epigastrium, at the upper pole of the kidneys and in front of the crus of the diaphragm, opposite the vertebral end of 11th intercostal space and 12th rib.
Dimensions of suprarenal gland
50 mm height
30 mm breadth
10 mm thick
At birth, 1/3rd of kidney, in adults 1/13th of kidney, but weighs about 5 g
Right is pyramidal and left is semilunar in shape.
Sheaths around the suprarenal gland
Capsules – inner true capsule, other false capsule
The true capsule is formed by condensation of connective tissue of gland
The false capsule is derived from the fascia covering it, perirenal fascia (Has anterior layer and posterior layer, after covering the kidney it will split to enclose the gland) (gland separated by kidney by a septum)
Right Suprarenal Gland
Shape:
Triangular to pyramidal
Presenting parts and relations:
Apex - Bare area of liver
Base - Upper pole of right kidney.
Two surfaces - Anterior (IVC and bare area of liver ( A small ridge on anterior surface demarcates the surface covered by IVC and by liver) ) and Posterior (Right crus of diaphragm and right kidney)
Three Borders - Anterior (serves as hilus with the right vein emerging near the apex). Medial (Coeliac ganglion) and Lateral (Liver)
Arterial Supply - Superior, middle and inferior suprarenal artery.
Venous Drainage - into IVC
Lymphatic drainage - lateral aortic nodes
Nerve supply - Medulla has RICH nerve supply though preganglionic sympathetic fibers. Chromaffin cells homologous to the postganglionic neurons.
Left Suprarenal Gland
Shape:
Semilunar
Presenting parts and relations:
Upper end - close to spleen
Lower end - Hilus with emerging left vein.
Two surfaces - Anterior (Cardiac end of stomach and pancreas with splenic artery) and Posterior (Left crus of diaphragm and left kidney)
Two Borders - Medial (Coeliac ganglion) and Lateral (Stomach)
Arterial Supply - Superior, middle and inferior suprarenal artery.
Venous Drainage - into left renal vein
Lymphatic drainage - lateral aortic nodes
Nerve supply - Medulla has RICH nerve supply though preganglionic sympathetic fibers. Chromaffin cells homologous to the postganglionic neurons.
Arterial Supply of Suprarenal Glands
Superior Suprarenal Artery - Inferior phrenic artery branch
Middle Suprarenal Artery - Branch of abdominal aorta
Inferior suprarenal artery- branch of renal artery
