Adrenal gland

Glandula suprarenalis

Sitting atop each kidney, the paired adrenal glands generate steroid hormones, cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens, from their cortex, and catecholamines, epinephrine and norepinephrine, from their medulla. Together these hormones govern the stress response, metabolism, blood pressure, and immune function. The outer cortex is arranged in three zones, the glomerulosa, fasciculata, and reticularis, surrounding the inner medulla; the right gland is pyramidal and the left crescentic, and three adrenal arteries supply their rich vasculature. Addison's disease is primary adrenal insufficiency, Cushing's syndrome results from excess cortisol, and pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-producing tumor of the medulla. Adrenal crisis is an acute, life-threatening failure of hormone output that requires emergency treatment.

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.

On this page
类型 Gland
身体系统 Endocrine
身体区域 Abdomen
上级结构 abdomen element
拉丁名称 Glandula suprarenalis
FMA ID 9604

功能

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.

临床意义

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.

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.

References

  1. Foundational Model of Anatomy — FMA:9604 Reference anatomy ontology (University of Washington)
  2. UBERON — UBERON:0002369 Cross-species anatomy ontology (EMBL-EBI Ontology Lookup Service)
  3. Wikipedia — Adrenal gland Encyclopedia article (verified cross-reference)

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Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

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