Anatomy of suprarenal glands (aka adrenal glands)
- Suprarenal glands (aka adrenal glands)
-
- Positioned on the superior pole of kidneys.
- The right gland is pyramidal, the left gland is semilunar shaped.
- Each is surrounded by a thin fibrous capsule that is continuous with renal fascia. These capsules fuse. Also surrounded by fatty connective tissue.
- Has outer cortical gland and the inner medullary gland that form “two endocrine glands in one”.
-
-
- Outer cortex = produces steroids
- Inner medullary region = produces epinephrine/norepinephrine Neurotransmitters.
- Cells of medullary portion are modified postganglionic sympathetic neurons which are innervated by preganglionic neurons associated with the splanchnics.
-
1 – adrenal gland; 2 – left adrenal vein; 3 – lower adrenal artery; 4 – renal artery; 5 – kidney; 6 – ureter; 7 – renal vein; 8 – lower hollow vein; 9 – aorta; 10 – lower diaphragmatic artery; 11 – middle adrenal artery; 12 – upper adrenal arteries
-
- Have a rich blood supply/drainage
-
-
- superior suprarenal arteries = branches off of inferior phrenic
- middle suprarenal arteries – off aorta
- inferior suprarenal arteries – off of renal artery
- R suprarenal vein → IVC. L suprarenal vein→ into left renal vein.
-
Also read:
- The Adrenal Glands @ TeachMeAnatomy
- Practice Anatomy tests for free!
- Best Anatomy books for Medical students
- Best Anatomy websites & journals
- Anatomy syllabus in (CBME) in India
- Anatomy syllabus in Russia & Other CIS
- Anatomy syllabus in China
Also Watch:
- Anatomy Adrenal glands @ Lecturio