Adrenal gland

Anatomy

Small (triangular 2×1″, 3.5-5 gm) paired endocrine gland on top of kidneys upper abdomen, under diaphragm, retroperitoneal; secrete and release hormones involved in – regulation of metabolic rate, immune system, water-salt balance, response to stress; 2 types of tissue, cortex and medulla (encapsulated outer and inner layers); cortex is larger part, 3 zones – zona glomerulosa (outer – aldosterone), fasciculata (middle – glucocorticoids, mainly cortisol), reticularis (inner – gonadocorticoids, mainly androgens); medulla has chromaffin cells, produces epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine (noradrenaline); rich blood supply – superior adrenal arteries as multiple small branches of inferior phrenic, middle adrenal directly from aorta, inferior adrenal from renal artery.

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