When we cut the adrenal gland in half, we can see with our eyes two distinct regions that are different shades of orange. The adrenal glands are paired (you have two of them) flat glands with a triangular shape, each weighing about 5 grams (about half of a lime). Inside the Adrenal Gland: The Medulla and Cortex.
In fact, when fetuses are only a few weeks old, the adrenal glands form from two different cell types and two different embryonic areas. The adrenal medulla and cortex have completely different functions and produce very different hormones. And they really are orange in color!ĭifferences Between the Adrenal Medulla and Cortex. The adrenal glands are shaped like a triangular fortune cookie. The outer adrenal cortex produces different hormones than the inner adrenal medulla.įIGURE: A normal adrenal gland demonstrating the adrenal medulla (inner layer), and the adrenal cortex (outer layer). If the surgeon is off by mere millimeters the operation may end poorly. Thus, once again it is exceedingly important that surgery in this area is performed very gently by incredibly experienced surgeons. The pancreas is a very sensitive organ that, when irritated or inflamed, can cause significant sickness and even death. It is very close to the splenic artery, which is the major artery that goes to the spleen, and the tail of the pancreas. The Left Adrenal Gland: The left adrenal gland is located on top of the left kidney. If the surgeon is off by just millimeters, the operation can very rapidly end with a tremendously bad outcome.
The kidney, IVC and liver are incredibly important structures and it is absolutely crucial that the adrenal surgeon is experienced in dealing with them. The right adrenal gland is also very close to the liver. The IVC is the biggest vein that brings blood back to the heart from the entire body. The Right Adrenal Gland: The adrenal gland on the right side is located on top of the right kidney and is very close to the inferior vena cava (IVC). has hundreds of pages of information about the adrenal gland organized in easy-to-navigate groups. Although some adrenal conditions are treated with hormones, most adrenal diseases are treated with surgery to remove the adrenal gland or the adrenal tumor that is causing a very specific hormone problem. Everyone has two adrenal glands that make several important hormones required for healthy life. Adrenal glands are about the size of a fortune cookie and are triangular shaped, sitting on top of the kidneys like hats. CT scan demonstrating the right and left normal adrenal glands (arrows).Īdrenal glands are orange-colored glands located on the top of both kidneys. Cushing Syndrome: Primary HypercortisolismĪdrenal glands are triangle shaped and located on the top of each kidney.Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn Syndrome Tumors).
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