PSL201Y1 Lecture Notes - Zona Fasciculata, Zona Reticularis, Zona Glomerulosa
Document Summary
The adrenal glands are pair structures that sit above each kidney. Both the adrenal glands and the kidneys are located in a potential space called the retroperitoneum that lies deep within the abdominal cavity. Although it appears as if the adrenal glands are attached to the kidney, they have their own blood supply. Each adrenal gland consists of an outer layered portion called the cortex which constitutes of 80% of the glands" total mass. The other area is the inner core called the adrenal medulla. The cortex and the medulla operate as two distinct glands in one, as they are structurally and functionally distinct. The adrenal cortex secretes a number of hormones that are collectively called adrenal corticoids named for their origin of release and their chemical class. The adrenal medulla is formed of chromaffin cells which secrete a family of hormones known as the catecholamines.