Adrenal Glands Flashcards

Study adrenal gland anatomy, including location, cortical zones, medullary structure, vascular supply, innervation, and hormones.

Card 1 of 30Question

Where are the adrenal glands located?

In the retroperitoneum, near the superomedial aspects of the kidneys.

In This Section

1. Where are the adrenal glands located?

In the retroperitoneum, near the superomedial aspects of the kidneys.

2. Which fascial structure encloses the adrenal glands and kidneys?

The renal fascia.

3. What separates each adrenal gland from the adjacent kidney?

A thin connective tissue septum within the perirenal fat.

4. What is the typical shape of the right adrenal gland?

Pyramidal or triangular.

5. What is the typical shape of the left adrenal gland?

Crescent-shaped or semilunar.

6. Which major vein lies immediately medial to the right adrenal gland?

The inferior vena cava.

7. Which organ lies anterior to much of the right adrenal gland?

The liver, particularly its right lobe.

8. Which organs are anteriorly related to the left adrenal gland?

The stomach through the lesser sac and the pancreas.

9. Which muscle forms an important posterior relationship of both adrenal glands?

The diaphragm, particularly its crura.

10. What are the two principal tissue regions of an adrenal gland?

The outer adrenal cortex and inner adrenal medulla.

11. What are the three zones of the adrenal cortex from superficial to deep?

Zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis.

12. Which adrenal cortical zone lies immediately beneath the connective tissue capsule?

The zona glomerulosa.

13. What is the principal hormone secreted by the zona glomerulosa?

Aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid.

14. Which adrenal cortical zone is the thickest?

The zona fasciculata.

15. What is the main hormone produced by the zona fasciculata?

Cortisol, a glucocorticoid.

16. How are cells typically arranged in the zona fasciculata?

In long, relatively straight cords separated by sinusoidal capillaries.

17. Which adrenal cortical zone lies directly adjacent to the medulla?

The zona reticularis.

18. What hormones are primarily produced by the zona reticularis?

Adrenal androgens, particularly dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

19. What is the principal cell type of the adrenal medulla?

Chromaffin cells, which are modified postganglionic sympathetic neurons.

20. Which hormones are secreted by the adrenal medulla?

Catecholamines, predominantly epinephrine and norepinephrine.

21. What is the primary nerve supply of the adrenal medulla?

Preganglionic sympathetic fibers traveling mainly through the thoracic splanchnic nerves.

22. Which neurotransmitter stimulates chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla?

Acetylcholine released by preganglionic sympathetic neurons.

23. Which three groups of arteries supply the adrenal glands?

The superior, middle, and inferior suprarenal arteries.

24. From which artery do the superior suprarenal arteries usually arise?

The inferior phrenic artery.

25. From which vessel do the middle suprarenal arteries usually arise?

The abdominal aorta.

26. From which artery do the inferior suprarenal arteries usually arise?

The renal artery.

27. Where does the right suprarenal vein usually drain?

Directly into the inferior vena cava.

28. Where does the left suprarenal vein usually drain?

Into the left renal vein, often after joining the inferior phrenic vein.

29. What is the embryological origin of the adrenal cortex?

Mesoderm, specifically mesothelial cells associated with the posterior abdominal wall.

30. What is the embryological origin of the adrenal medulla?

Neural crest cells that migrate into the developing adrenal gland.