Suprarenal Gland Flashcards
1
Q
What is the suprarenal gland a part of?
A
the endocrine system
2
Q
What are the parts of the suprarenal gland?
A
- medulla: secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine
- cortex: secretes corticosteroids
3
Q
What is important about the secretions of the suprarenal gland?
A
they are essential to life
4
Q
What is the location of the suprarenal gland?
A
- retroperitoneal
- lies on the superomedial aspect of the kidney
- surrounded by a capsule and by renal fascia
5
Q
What is Addison’s disease?
A
- adrenal hypofunction
- affects corticosteroid output primarily
6
Q
How does the shape of the right gland compare to that of the left?
A
right gland is pyramidal in shape while the left is semilunar
7
Q
What is the arterial supply to the suprarenal glands?
A
- superior suprarenal artery (from the inferior phrenic artery)
- middle suprarenal artery (from the aorta)
- inferior suprarenal artery (from the renal artery)
8
Q
Which veins drain the suprarenal glands?
A
suprarenal veins
- right suprarenal vein drains directly into the inferior vena cava
- left suprarenal vein drains into the left renal vein
9
Q
What is the innervation of the suprarenal glands?
A
Primarily sympathetic from:
- celiac plexus
- thoracic splanchnic nerves
10
Q
What is the chiropractic note about the kidneys and suprarenal glands?
A
- pain from the kidney or suprarenal gland is often referred to the paralumbar region or flank
- pain from a kidney stone passes from the loin to the groin (lumbar to inguinal), as the stone passes down the ureter, which receives innervation from T11-L2
- kidney pain accompanied by a high fever is usually due to a kidney infection
- kidney infections are more common in females due to short urethra
