Adrenal Cortex and Medulla

Overview 

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Primary Regulatory ControlAnatomy Secretory products
Renin-angiotensinZona glomerulosa  Aldosterone
ACTH, hypothalamic CRHZona fasciculataCortisol and sex hormones
ACTH, hypothalamic CRHZona reticularisSex hormones (e.g. androgens)
Preganglionic sympathetic fibersMedullaCatecholamines (Epi, NE)

Glomerulosa (salt), fasciculata (sugar), reticularis (sex)

“The deeper you go, the sweeter it gets.” 

Adrenal Circulation

  • Both the left and right adrenals receive arterial blood supply in the same fashion
    • paired superior suprarenal arteries – derived from inferior phrenic arteries
    • paired middle suprarenal arteries – derived directly from abdominal aorta
    • paired inferior suprarenal arteris – derived from the adjacent renal arteries
  • The left and right adrenals have differing venous drainage
    • left adrenal venous drainage is through the left adrenal vein to the left renal vein and finally to the IVC
    • right adrenal venous drainage is through the right adrenal vein to the IVC
  • Recall the same pattern for the left and right gonadal artery/vein