Anatomy of suprarenal glands in a Nutshell

Anatomy of suprarenal glands (aka adrenal glands)

• Suprarenal glands (aka adrenal glands)

1. • 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”.

1. 1. 1. Outer cortex = produces steroids
      2. Inner medullary region = produces epinephrine/norepinephrine Neurotransmitters.
      3. Cells of medullary portion are modified postganglionic sympathetic neurons which are innervated by preganglionic neurons associated with the splanchnics.

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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

1. • Have a rich blood supply/drainage

1. 1. 1. superior suprarenal arteries = branches off of inferior phrenic
      2. middle suprarenal arteries – off aorta
      3. inferior suprarenal arteries – off of renal artery
      4. R suprarenal vein → IVC. L suprarenal vein→ into left renal vein.

Also read:

1. The Adrenal Glands @ TeachMeAnatomy
2. Practice Anatomy tests for free!
3. Best Anatomy books for Medical students
4. Best Anatomy websites & journals
5. Anatomy syllabus in (CBME) in India
6. Anatomy syllabus in Russia & Other CIS
7. Anatomy syllabus in China

Also Watch:

• Anatomy Adrenal glands @ Lecturio