Adrenal gland

Glandula suprarenalis

Paired glands sitting on top of each kidney. Each gland has an outer cortex (three zones: glomerulosa, fasciculata, reticularis) and an inner medulla. The right gland is pyramidal; the left is crescentic. They are highly vascular with blood supply from three adrenal arteries.

Type Gland
Body System Endocrine
Body Region Abdomen
Parent Structure abdomen element
Latin Name Glandula suprarenalis
FMA ID 9604

Function

Produces steroid hormones (cortisol, aldosterone, androgens) from the cortex and catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine) from the medulla. Essential for stress response, metabolism, blood pressure regulation, and immune function.

Clinical Significance

Addison's disease is primary adrenal insufficiency. Cushing's syndrome results from excess cortisol. Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-producing tumor of the medulla. Adrenal crisis is an acute life-threatening condition requiring emergency treatment.

Sub-structures

left adrenal gland Gland right adrenal gland Gland

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the two distinct regions of the adrenal gland and what does each produce?
The adrenal gland has an outer cortex and an inner medulla. The cortex produces steroid hormones including cortisol (stress response and metabolism), aldosterone (blood pressure regulation), and androgens (sex hormones). The medulla produces catecholamines—epinephrine and norepinephrine—which drive the fight-or-flight response.
What is Addison's disease and how does it relate to the adrenal gland?
Addison's disease is primary adrenal insufficiency, a condition in which the adrenal cortex fails to produce adequate amounts of cortisol and aldosterone. It can result from autoimmune destruction of the cortex, infection, or other damage, leading to fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and darkening of the skin.
What is Cushing's syndrome and what causes it?
Cushing's syndrome results from prolonged exposure to excess cortisol. It can be caused by a cortisol-secreting adrenal tumor, a pituitary tumor producing excess ACTH (Cushing's disease), or long-term use of corticosteroid medications. Symptoms include central obesity, a rounded 'moon face,' hypertension, and muscle weakness.
Where are the adrenal glands located in the body?
The adrenal glands are paired endocrine glands situated on top of each kidney in the retroperitoneal space of the abdomen. Their Latin name, Glandula suprarenalis, literally means 'gland above the kidney,' reflecting their anatomical position.
What is a pheochromocytoma?
A pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-secreting tumor that arises from chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla. It causes episodic or sustained hypertension, headaches, palpitations, and sweating due to excess epinephrine and norepinephrine release. Though rare, it can be life-threatening if untreated.

Related Structures

adrenal cortex adrenal gland cortex adrenal gland capsule adrenal capsule adrenal/interrenal gland adrenal - interrenal gland adrenal medulla adrenal central medulla adrenal tissue adrenal gland tissue biliary ductule bile capillary capillary network of liver capillary plexus of liver capillary system of liver liver capillary

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Educational Disclaimer

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Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.