adrenal gland

(ədrēn`əl) or

suprarenal gland

(so͞oprərēn`əl), endocrine gland (see endocrine systemendocrine system
, body control system composed of a group of glands that maintain a stable internal environment by producing chemical regulatory substances called hormones.
..... Click the link for more information. ) about 2 in. (5.1 cm) long situated atop each kidney. The outer yellowish layer (cortex) of the adrenal gland secretes about 30 steroid hormones, the most important of which are aldosteronealdosterone
, steroid secreted by the cortex of the adrenal gland. It is the most potent hormone regulating the body's electrolyte balance. Aldosterone acts directly on the kidney to decrease the rate of sodium-ion excretion (with accompanying retention of water), and to
..... Click the link for more information. and cortisolcortisol
or hydrocortisone,
steroid hormone that in humans is the major circulating hormone of the cortex, or outer layer, of the adrenal gland. Like cortisone, cortisol is classed as a glucocorticoid; it stimulates liver glycogen formation while it decreases the rate
..... Click the link for more information. . Cortisol regulates carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, and its secretion is controlled by the output of adrenocorticotropic hormoneadrenocorticotropic hormone
, polypeptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Its chief function is to stimulate the cortex of the adrenal gland to secrete adrenocortical steroids, chief among them cortisone.
..... Click the link for more information. (ACTH) from the pituitary gland. Aldosterone regulates water and salt balance in the body; its secretion is only slightly influenced by the pituitary. Steroid hormones also counteract inflammation and allergies and influence the secondary sex characteristics to a limited degree. The adrenal cortex controls metabolic processes that are essential to life and if it ceases to function death ensues within a few days. Artificial synthesis of the steroid hormones has made it possible to treat many conditions related to underactivity of the adrenal cortex, e.g., Addison's diseaseAddison's disease
[for Thomas Addison], progressive disease brought about by atrophy of the outer layer, or cortex, of the adrenal gland; it is also called chronic adrenocortical insufficiency.
..... Click the link for more information. . The inner reddish portion (medulla) of the adrenal gland, which is not functionally related to the adrenal cortex, secretes epinephrineepinephrine
, hormone important to the body's metabolism, also known as adrenaline. Epinephrine, a catecholamine, together with norepinephrine, is secreted principally by the medulla of the adrenal gland.
..... Click the link for more information. (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. The release of these hormones is stimulated when an animal is excited or frightened, causing increased heart rate, increased blood flow to the muscles, elevated blood sugar, dilation of the pupils of the eyes, and other changes that increase the body's ability to meet sudden emergencies.

Adrenal gland

A complex endocrine organ in proximity to the kidney. Adrenal gland tissue is present in all vertebrates. The adrenal consists of two functionally distinct tissues: steroidogenic cells and catecholamine-secreting cells. While “adrenal” refers to the gland's proximity to the kidney, significant variation exists among vertebrates in its anatomic location as well as the relationship of the two endocrine tissues which make up the gland. In mammals, steroidogenic cells are separated into distinct zones that together form a cortex. This cortical tissue surrounds the catecholamine-secreting cells, constituting the medulla. In most other vertebrates, this unique anatomic cortical-medullary relationship is not present. In species of amphibians and fish, adrenal cells are found intermingling with kidney tissue, and the steroidogenic cells are often termed interrenal tissue.

Development

The adrenal gland forms from two primordia: cells of mesodermal origin which give rise to the steroid-secreting cells, and neural cells of ectodermal origin which develop into the catecholamine-secreting tissue (also known as chromaffin tissue). In higher vertebrates, mesenchymal cells originating from the coelomic cavity near the genital ridge proliferate to form a cluster of cells destined to be the adrenal cortex. During the second month of human development, cells of the neural crest migrate to the region of the developing adrenal and begin to proliferate on its surface. The expanding cortical tissue encapsulates the neural cells forming the cortex and medulla. In mammals, three distinct zones form within the cortex: the outermost zona glomerulosa, the middle zona fasiculata, and the inner zona reticularis. The glomerulosa cells contain an enzyme, aldosterone synthase, which converts corticosterone to aldosterone, the principal steroid (mineralocorticoid) secreted from this zone. The inner zones (fasiculata and reticularis) primarily secrete glucocorticoids and large amounts of sex steroid precursors. In many lower vertebrates, the two tissues form from similar primordia but migrate and associate in different ways to the extent that in some cases the two tissues develop in isolation from each other.

Comparative anatomy

While the paired adrenals in mammals have a characteristic cortical-medullary arrangement with distinct zonation present in the cortex, such distinctions are lacking in nonmammalian species. In more primitive fishes, chromaffin cells form in isolation from steroidogenic tissue. A general trend is present, however, throughout vertebrates for a closer association of chromaffin and steroidogenic tissues. Zonation in steroidogenic tissue is largely confined to mammals, although suggestions of separate cell types have been postulated in birds and in some other species.

Comparative endocrinology

Hormones are secreted from the cells of both the medulla and the cortex.

Chromaffin cells

In all vertebrates, chromaffin cells secrete catecholamines into circulation. In most species, the major catecholamine secreted is epinephrine, although significant amounts of norepinephrine are released by many animals. Some dopamine is also secreted. No phylogenetic trend is obvious to explain or predict the ratio of epinephrine to norepinephrine secreted in a given species. A given species may release the two catecholamines in different ratios, depending on the nature of the stimulus. The great majority of the norepinephrine in circulation actually originates from that which is released from non-adrenal sympathetic nerve endings and leaks into the bloodstream. In addition to catecholamines, chromaffin cells secrete an array of other substances, including proteins such as chromogranin A and opioid peptides. See Epinephrine

Biologic effects of catecholamines are mediated through their binding to two receptor classes, α- and β-adrenergic receptors. Further examination of these receptors has revealed that subclasses of each type exist and likely account for the responses on different target tissues. In general, biologic responses to catecholamines include mobilization of glucose from liver and muscle, increased alertness, increased heart rate, and stimulation of metabolic rate.

Steroid hormones

In broad terms, most steroids secreted by adrenal steroidogenic cells are glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, or sex hormone precursors. However, these classes have been established largely on the basis of differential actions in mammals. The principal glucocorticoids are cortisol and corticosterone, while the main mineralocorticoid is aldosterone. This division of action holds for mammalian species and likely for reptiles and birds. In other vertebrates, such as fish and amphibians, steroids from the interrenal tissue do not show such specialized actions; instead, most show activities of both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid type. Mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians secrete cortisol, corticosterone, and aldosterone. The ratios of the two glucocorticoids vary across species; in general, corticosterone is the more important product in nonmammalian species. Even within mammals, a large variation exists across species, due to the relative ratio of cortisol to corticosterone from the adrenal cortex.

Effects of adrenal-derived steroids in lower vertebrates involve a diverse array of actions, including control of distribution and availability of metabolic fuels such as glucose, and regulation of sodium and extracellular fluid volume. In nonmammalian vertebrates, corticosterone, cortisol, and aldosterone possess mineralocorticoid effects. Other areas where adrenal steroids likely contribute to biologic processes include control of protein, fat, and carbohydrate balance; reproduction; and growth and development. See Steroid

adrenal gland

[ə′drēn·əl ‚gland] (anatomy) An endocrine organ located close to the kidneys of vertebrates and consisting of two morphologically distinct components, the cortex and medulla. Also known as suprarenal gland.

Adrenal gland

adrenal

[ah-dre´nal] 1. pertaining to one of the small glands just above each kidney. Called also suprarenal.2. an adrenal gland.paranephric.adrenal gland a small triangular endocrine gland situated in the retroperitoneal tissues at the cranial pole of each kidney; it is the result of fusion of two organs, one forming the inner core or medulla, and the other forming an outer shell, or cortex. These two structures are different in both their anatomy and the kinds of hormone they synthesize and secrete. Called also suprarenal gland.

Adrenal glands. Adrenal Medulla. This is actually a glandular extension of sympathetic effector fibers or postganglionic neurons. It releases the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine in response to stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. These hormones enter the blood stream and are carried throughout the body where they indirectly act as stimulants to the various organs. Their production and distribution by the blood usually occur at the same time that the organs are being stimulated by the sympathetic nerves. In this way, the adrenal medulla and the sympathetic nerves support each other and can act as substitutes for each other. Epinephrine and norepinephrine both constrict blood vessels (except in muscle tissue) and are released in anticipatory states and other times of increased emotion, causing such changes as elevated blood pressure; release of glucagon, insulin, and fatty acids into the blood; and increases in heart rate, sweating, metabolic rate, and peristaltic activity. Epinephrine is important in initiating the physiological changes in the “fight or flight” response (see alarm reaction) and has a more prolonged effect than norepinephrine because of being removed more slowly from the blood. Adrenal Cortex. The adrenal cortex synthesizes and secretes more than 30 different steroids and is responsible for the maintenance of several life-sustaining physiological activities. The steroids are divided into three major groups: glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens. The glucocorticoids get their name from the fact that they cause an increase in blood glucose levels (gluco-), are produced by the adrenal cortex (corti-), and are synthesized from cholesterol, which is a steroid (-oid). The mineralocorticoids, as their name implies, are chiefly concerned with the concentration of electrolytes (minerals) in the extracellular fluid. The adrenal cortex also secretes small amounts of androgens and is the major source of these hormones in females.Glucocorticoids. The principal glucocorticoid is cortisol (also known as hydrocortisone), which is responsible for more than 95 per cent of all glucocorticoid activity. The remainder of the hormonal activity is provided by corticosterone and cortisone.
The physiologic effects of the glucocorticoids promote the metabolic breakdown or anabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Cortisol increases the rate of gluconeogenesis by the liver, decreases the utilization of glucose by the cells, reduces cellular protein and enhances utilization of amino acids by the liver, and promotes mobilization of fatty acids from adipose tissue into the plasma. The net effect of these actions is to make these noncarbohydrate nutritive elements readily available for energy.
The regulation of cortisol secretion involves a complex closed-loop negative feedback system. Initially, the hypothalamus reacts to physical or psychogenic stress by secreting corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which is carried to the anterior pituitary gland (adenohypophysis) via the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal system. In response to the presence of CRH, the adenohypophysis secretes adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol. Cortisol then initiates a series of metabolic activities which help to relieve the physiologic effects of stress. Cortisol inhibits both release of CRH from the hypothalamus and of ACTH from the adenohypophysis. This exerts a negative feedback effect; high serum cortisol levels inhibit further production of cortisol. Thus, during times of relative calm when the body is not experiencing abnormal stress, the cortisol level returns to normal.
Another factor that influences the secretory rates of CRH, ACTH, and cortisol is a biologic clock mechanism that establishes a cyclic pattern of signals from the hypothalamus. This is a 24-hour cycle that has its peak right after completion of the major portion of a night's sleep, usually around 4 or 5 AM. About 12 hours later, the blood level of cortisol is at its lowest. This cycle is dependent on sleeping patterns; therefore, if a person changes the pattern and sleeps in the daytime, the cycle of hormonal levels changes accordingly. This information is significant in testing for cortisol levels as a means of diagnosing a disorder of the endocrine system. When blood is drawn for testing, the specimen should be clearly labeled as to the precise time it was taken.Mineralocorticoids. The principal mineralocorticoid is aldosterone. This and other mineralocorticoids prevent excessive loss of sodium and chloride in the urine by enhancing their reabsorption from the distal ends of the renal tubules. They have the same effect to a lesser degree on the sweat and salivary glands and on the intestines. Additionally, aldosterone promotes excretion of potassium in the urine. The net result of these activities is the maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance in the blood and extracellular fluid, which, in turn, affects cardiac output and blood pressure. A deficit of aldosterone secretion brings about a decrease in extracellular fluid and blood volumes, interference with the venous return to the heart, and a fall in cardiac output. If not corrected, the patient rapidly goes into profound shock.Dysfunction of the Adrenal Glands. Either increased levels or deficits of the adrenal hormones can produce various disorders. cushing's syndrome, called also primary aldosteronism, is related to excessive secretion of aldosterone. In addison's disease there is an overall hypofunction of the adrenal cortex, resulting in insufficient production of all three groups of adrenocortical hormones. adrenogenital syndrome, which is usually caused by a tumor of the adrenal cortex, results from excessive secretion of androgens. Since androgens have a masculinizing effect, the symptoms are primarily those of changes in the secondary sex characteristics.

gland

[gland] an aggregation of cells specialized to secrete or excrete materials not related to their ordinary metabolic needs. Glands are divided into two main groups, endocrine and exocrine. adj., adj glan´dular.
The endocrine glands, or ductless glands, discharge their secretions (hormones) directly into the blood; they include the adrenal, pituitary, thyroid, and parathyroid glands, the islands of Langerhans in the pancreas, the gonads, the thymus, and the pineal body. The glands" >exocrine glands discharge through ducts opening on an external or internal surface of the body; they include the salivary, sebaceous, and sweat glands, the liver, the gastric glands, the pancreas, the intestinal, mammary, and lacrimal glands, and the prostate. The lymph nodes" >lymph nodes are sometimes called lymph glands but are not glands in the usual sense.

Classification of glands according to mode of secretion. From Applegate, 2000.acinous gland one made up of one or more acini" >acini (oval or spherical sacs).adrenal gland see adrenal gland.apocrine gland one whose discharged secretion contains part of the secreting cells.areolar g's Montgomery's glands.axillary g's lymph nodes in the axilla.Bartholin g's two small mucus-secreting glands, one on each side in the lower pole of the labium majus and connected to the surface by a duct lined with transitional cells, which opens just external to the hymenal ring. Their exact function is not clear but they are believed to secrete mucus to moisten the vestibule during sexual excitement. Called also major vestibular glands.Bowman's g's olfactory glands.bronchial g's seromucous glands in the mucosa and submucosa of the bronchial walls.Brunner's g's glands in the submucosa of the duodenum that secrete intestinal juice; called also duodenal glands.buccal g's seromucous glands on the inner surface of the cheeks; called also genal glands.bulbocavernous g's (bulbourethral g's) two glands embedded in the substance of the sphincter of the male urethra, posterior to the membranous part of the urethra; their secretion lubricates the urethra; called also Cowper's glands.cardiac g's mucus-secreting glands of the cardiac part (cardia) of the stomach.celiac g's lymph nodes anterior to the abdominal aorta.ceruminous g's cerumin-secreting glands in the skin of the external auditory canal.cervical g's 1. the lymph nodes of the neck.2. compound clefts in the wall of the uterine cervix.ciliary g's sweat glands that have become arrested in their development, situated at the edges of the eyelids; called also Moll's glands.circumanal g's specialized sweat and sebaceous glands around the anus; called also Gay's glands.Cobelli's g's mucous glands in the esophageal mucosa just above the cardia.coccygeal gland glomus coccygeum.compound gland one made up of a number of smaller units whose excretory ducts combine to form ducts of progressively higher order.Cowper's g's bulbourethral glands.ductless g's endocrine glands.duodenal g's Brunner's glands.Ebner's g's serous glands at the back of the tongue near the taste buds.eccrine gland one of the ordinary or simple sweat glands, which are of the merocrine type.endocrine g's see endocrine glands.exocrine g's glands that discharge their secretions through ducts opening on internal or external surfaces of the body; see gland" >gland.fundic g's (fundus g's) numerous tubular glands in the mucosa of the fundus and body of the stomach that contain the cells that produce acid and pepsin.gastric g's the secreting glands of the stomach, including the fundic, cardiac, and pyloric glands.Gay's g's circumanal glands.genal g's buccal glands.glossopalatine g's mucous glands at the posterior end of the smaller sublingual glands.haversian g's synovial villi.holocrine gland one whose discharged secretion contains the entire secreting cells.intestinal g's straight tubular glands in the mucous membrane of the intestines, in the small intestine opening between the bases of the villi, and containing argentaffin cells. Called also crypts or glands of Lieberkühn.jugular gland a lymph node behind the clavicular insertion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.Krause's gland an accessory lacrimal gland deep in the conjunctival connective tissue, mainly near the upper fornix.lacrimal g's the glands that secrete tears; see also lacrimal apparatus.g's of Lieberkühn intestinal glands.lingual g's the seromucous glands on the surface of the tongue.lingual g's, anterior seromucous glands near the apex of the tongue.Littre's g's 1. preputial glands.2. the male urethral glands.lymph gland lymph node.major vestibular g's Bartholin glands.mammary gland a specialized gland of the skin of female mammals, which secretes milk for the nourishment of their young; it exists in a rudimentary state in the male. See also breast.meibomian g's sebaceous follicles between the cartilage and conjunctiva of the eyelids. Called also tarsal glands.merocrine gland one whose discharged secretion contains no part of the secreting cells.mixed g's 1. seromucous glands.2. glands that have both exocrine and endocrine portions.Moll's g's ciliary glands.Montgomery's g's sebaceous glands in the mammary areola; called also areolar glands.mucous g's glands that secrete mucus.olfactory g's small mucous glands in the olfactory mucosa; called also Bowman's glands.parathyroid g's see parathyroid glands.parotid g's see parotid glands.peptic g's gastric glands that secrete pepsin.pineal gland pineal body.pituitary gland see pituitary gland.preputial g's small sebaceous glands of the corona of the penis and the inner surface of the prepuce, which secrete smegma; called also Littre's glands and Tyson's glands.prostate gland prostate.pyloric g's the mucin-secreting glands of the pyloric part of the stomach.salivary g's see salivary glands.sebaceous gland a type of holocrine gland of the corium that secretes an oily material (sebum) into the hair follicles.

Glands: The relationship of the hair follicle, eccrine and apocrine sweat glands and sebaceous glands. From Copstead, 1995.sentinel gland an enlarged lymph node, considered to be pathognomonic of some pathologic condition elsewhere.seromucous g's glands that are both serous and mucous.serous gland a gland that secretes a watery albuminous material, commonly but not always containing enzymes.sex gland (sexual gland) gonad.simple gland one with a nonbranching duct.Skene's g's the largest of the female urethral glands, which open into the urethral orifice; they are regarded as homologous with the prostate. Called also paraurethral ducts.solitary g's solitary follicles.sublingual gland a salivary gland on either side under the tongue.submandibular gland (submaxillary gland) a salivary gland on the inner side of each ramus of the mandible.sudoriferous gland (sudoriparous gland) sweat gland.suprarenal gland adrenal gland.sweat gland see sweat gland.target gland any gland affected by a secretion or other stimulus from another gland, such as those affected by the secretions of the pituitary gland.tarsal g's meibomian glands.thymus gland thymus.thyroid gland see thyroid gland.tubular gland any gland made up of or containing a tubule or tubules.Tyson's g's preputial glands.unicellular gland a single cell that functions as a gland, e.g., a goblet cell.urethral g's mucous glands in the wall of the urethra; in the male, called also Littre's glands.uterine g's simple tubular glands found throughout the thickness and extent of the endometrium; they become enlarged during the premenstrual period.vesical g's mucous glands sometimes found in the wall of the urinary bladder, especially in the area of the trigone.vulvovaginal g's Bartholin's glands.Waldeyer's g's glands in the attached edge of the eyelid.Weber's g's the tubular mucous glands of the tongue.

su·pra·re·nal gland

[TA] a flattened, roughly triangular body positioned in relation to the superior end of each kidney but attached primarily to the diaphragmatic crura; it is one of the endocrine (ductless) glands furnishing internal secretions (epinephrine and norepinephrine from the medulla and steroid hormones from the cortex). Synonym(s): glandula suprarenalis [TA], adrenal body, adrenal gland, atrabiliary capsule, epinephros, glandula atrabiliaris, paranephros, suprarenal body

adrenal gland

n. Either of two small, dissimilarly shaped endocrine glands, one located above each kidney, consisting of the cortex, which secretes several steroid hormones, and the medulla, which secretes epinephrine. Also called suprarenal gland.

Adrenal Gland

Either of a pair of small flat triangular glands which lie atop or adjacent to each kidney and which are composed of
(1) The outer adrenal cortex, an endocrine gland composed of three layers, from the outermost zona glomerulosa, which produces mineralocorticoids, primarily aldosterone that regulates blood pressure, the middle zona fasciculata, which produces glucocorticoids, primarily cortisol, and the inner zona reticularis, which produces androgens, primarily DHEA and DHEA-S, and
(2) The central adrenal medulla, a neuroendocrine "organ" which produces catecholmines (epinephrine/adrenaline & norepinephrine/noradrenaline) in response to stress signals from the peripheral nervous system.
Blood supply
Arterial
• Superior suprarenal artery from the inferior phrenic artery
• Middle suprarenal artery from the abdominal aorta
• Inferior suprarenal artery from the renal artery
Venous
• Right suprarenal vein to the inferior vena cava
• Left suprarenal vein to the left renal vein or the left inferior phrenic vein

su·pra·re·nal gland

(sū'pră-rē'năl gland) [TA] A flattened, roughly triangular body resting on the upper end of each kidney; an endocrine gland the medulla of which producesepinephrine and norepinephrine and cortex produces cortisol and aldosterone.
Synonym(s): adrenal gland, epinephros, paranephros.

ADRENAL GLANDS

adrenal gland

Either of two triangular glands covering the superior surface of each kidney. Synonym: suprarenal gland See: illustration

Embryology

Each adrenal gland is a two-part organ composed of an outer cortex and an inner medulla. The cortex arises in the embryo from a region of the mesoderm that also gives rise to the gonads. The medulla arises from ectoderm, which also gives rise to the sympathetic nervous system.

Anatomy

The entire gland is enclosed in a tough connective tissue capsule from which trabeculae extend into the cortex. The cortex consists of cells arranged into three zones: the outer zona glomerulosa, the middle zona fasciculata, and the inner zona reticularis. The cells are arranged in cords. The medulla consists of chromaffin cells arranged in groups or in anastomosing cords. The two adrenal glands are retroperitoneal, each embedded in perirenal fat above its respective kidney. In an adult, the average weight of an adrenal gland is 5 g (range: 4 to 14 g).

Physiology

The adrenal medulla synthesizes and stores three catecholamines: dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. The chief effects of dopamine are the dilation of systemic arteries, increased cardiac output, and increased flow of blood to the kidneys. The primary action of norepinephrine is constriction of the arterioles and venules, resulting in increased resistance to blood flow, elevated blood pressure, and slowing of the heart. Epinephrine constricts vessels in the skin and viscera, dilates vessels in skeletal muscle, increases heart rate, dilates the bronchi by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle, increases the conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver to increase the blood glucose level, and diminishes activity of the gastrointestinal system. The three catecholamines are also produced in other parts of the body.

The adrenal medulla is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system and functions in conjunction with it. It is intimately related to adjustments of the body in response to stress and emotional changes. Anticipatory states tend to bring about the release of norepinephrine. More intense emotional reactions, esp. those in response to extreme stress, tend to increase the secretion of both norepinephrine and epinephrine; epinephrine is important in mobilizing the physiological changes that occur in the “fight or flight” response to emergency situations.

The cortex synthesizes three groups of steroid hormones from cholesterol. These are 1) glucocorticoids (cortisol, corticosterone), which regulate the metabolism of organic nutrients and have an anti-inflammatory effect; 2) mineralocorticoids (aldosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone), which affect metabolism of the electrolytes sodium and potassium; and 3) androgens and estrogens (estradiol), which contribute to body changes at puberty. See: aldosterone; cortisol; steroid

Pathology

Hypersecretion of adrenal cortical hormones results in Cushing syndrome. Hypersecretion of aldosterone results in a surgically correctable form of hypertension (aldosteronism). Adrenocortical insufficiency may be acute or chronic; acute insufficiency of adrenal hormones produces circulatory shock, while chronic insufficiency results in Addison disease. See: Addison disease; aldosteronism; Cushing syndrome; pheochromocytoma

adrenal gland

an endocrine organ consisting of a medulla (central part) secreting ADRENALINE and NORADRENALINE, and a cortex (outer zone) secreting ADRENAL CORTICAL HORMONES. The two parts are closely associated in mammals, but are sometimes separated into distinct organs in other vertebrates, e.g. fish. The activity of the medulla is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, and that of the cortex by ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC HORMONE secreted by the pituitary gland. In mammals there is a pair of adrenal glands situated anteriorly to the kidneys; other vertebrates have more than two adrenals.

Adrenal gland

Gland located above each kidney consisting of an outer wall (cortex) that produces steroid hormones and an inner section (medulla) that produces other important hormones, such as adrenaline and noradrenaline.Mentioned in: Anabolic Steroid Use, Cryptococcosis, Histoplasmosis, Neuroblastoma, Stress Reduction, Vasodilators

su·pra·re·nal gland

(sū'pră-rē'năl gland) [TA] A flattened, roughly triangular body positioned in relation to the superior end of each kidney but attached primarily to the diaphragmatic crura.
Synonym(s): adrenal body, adrenal gland.

adrenal gland

adrenal gland

adrenal gland

adre′nal gland`

ad·re·nal gland

adrenal gland

adrenal gland

suprarenal gland

Adrenal gland

Development

Comparative anatomy

Comparative endocrinology

Chromaffin cells

Steroid hormones

adrenal gland

Adrenal gland

adrenal

gland

su·pra·re·nal gland

adrenal gland

Adrenal Gland

su·pra·re·nal gland

adrenal gland

Embryology

Anatomy

Physiology

Pathology

adrenal gland

Adrenal gland

su·pra·re·nal gland

adrenal gland

Synonyms for adrenal gland

noun either of a pair of complex endocrine glands situated near the kidney

Synonyms

Related Words