The adrenal cortex produces a diverse range of steroid hormones, using cholesterol as a substrate. The largest portion is the outer region, called the adrenal cortex, accounting for around 90% of total adrenal volume (Gorman, 2013). Internal structureĮach adrenal gland is protected by a thick collagen-rich outer capsule, with glandular tissues located beneath. The adrenals are highly vascularised, and each gland is supplied with oxygenated blood through superior, middle and inferior suprarenal arteries deoxygenated blood is carried away from each gland via an adrenal vein (Perrier and Boger, 2005). The right adrenal gland is usually distinctly triangular in appearance, resembling a witch’s hat, while the left is more flattened and typically crescent shaped. Normal, healthy adult adrenal glands are relatively small – they each weigh 4-6g, and are around 3cm wide, 5cm high and 1cm thick changes in size are often indicative of underlying pathology (Lack and Paal, 2019 Westphalen and Bonnie, 2006). The right adrenal gland is at, approximately, the level of the 12th rib, while the left is located slightly higher between the 11th and 12th ribs (Perrier and Boger, 2005). They are yellow to orange in colour and are positioned retroperitoneally (behind the peritoneal membrane lining the abdominal cavity). There are two adrenal (suprarenal) glands: one located immediately above each kidney (Fig 1). This fourth article examines the anatomy and physiology of the adrenal glands. This eight-part series on the endocrine system opened with an overview of endocrine glands and the role of hormones as chemical signals that help maintain the homeostatic balance that is essential to good health. Click here to see other articles in this series.Assess your knowledge and gain CPD evidence by taking the Nursing Times Self-assessment test.Scroll down to read the article or download a print-friendly PDF here (if the PDF fails to fully download please try again using a different browser).
This article has been double-blind peer reviewed.Nursing Times 117: 8, 54-58.Īuthors: Maria Andrade is honorary associate professor in biomedical science Zubeyde-Bayram Weston is senior lecturer in biomedical science John Knight is associate professor in biomedical science all at College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University. This article, the fourth in an eight-part series on the endocrine system, explores the anatomy and physiology of the adrenal glands, and describes how they regulate and coordinate vital physiological processes in the body through hormonal action.Ĭitation: Andrade M et al (2021) Endocrine system 4: adrenal glands. The endocrine system consists of glands and tissues that produce and secrete hormones to regulate and coordinate vital bodily functions.
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