The Adrenal Glands Flashcards
What does the adrenal glands comprise of? 2
- Cortex
- Medulla
What does the cortex develop from?
Mesoderm
What does the medulla develop from?
Develops from the neural crest cells
What is the development of the cortex of the adrenals during the 6th week of gestation? 2
- Proliferation of mesoderm from posterior abdominal wall
- Penetrates the retroperitoneum, becomes primitive adrenal cortex
What is the development of the cortex of the adrenals during the 8th week of gestation?
Separates from posterior peritoneal surface and is surrounded by connective tissue (capsule)
After birth, the development of the adrenals cortex do what?
The primitive cortex involutes and disappears by 1 year of age
At three years of age what happens to the cortex of the adrenals?
differentiates into three zones
What happens during the 7th week of development of the medulla? 2
- Neural cells migrate and invade the medial side of the cortex
- Cells differentiate into the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla
Where is the adrenals located?
- Retroperitoneal cavity
- Anterior, medial and superior to the kidneys
What are the adrenals surround by?
Perinephric fat and gerota’s fascia
What are some physical descriptions of the adrenals? 3
- Paired
- Capsular
- Fixed position
What is the size of the adrenals for adults?
- Length: 4-6 cm
- Width: 2-3 cm
- AP 3-6 cm
What is the size of the spleen in newborns?
proportionately larger, compared to kidneys, usually 1/3 of the size of the kidneys
What is the shape of the adrenals? 3
- Pyramidal
- Semilunar (Crescent)
- V,Y, or Z configuration
Which adrenal is usually bigger?
Left
What is the position of the right adrenal in relation to the IVC?
Posterior and lateral
What is the position of the right adrenal in relation to the Kidney?
Superior
What is the position of the right adrenal in relation to the Liver?
Posterior and medial
What is the position of the right adrenal in relation to the crus?
Lateral
What is the position of the right adrenal in relation to the duodenum?
Posterior
What is the position of the left adrenal in relation to the left kidney?
Superomedial
What is the position of the left adrenal in relation to the stomach and lesser sac?
Posterior
What is the position of the left adrenal in relation to the crus?
Lateral