The left gland lies posterior to the pancreas and part of the stomach, while the right adrenal gland lies posterior to the inferior vena cava and part of the right lobe of the liver. The diaphragm is posterior to both adrenal glands. The smaller right gland is pyramidal in shape. The left adrenal gland is the larger of the two, and is semilunar in shape. The adrenal glands sit on the superior pole of each kidney, are surrounded by perirenal fat (fat surrounding the kidneys), and are separated from the kidney by a thin sheet of connective tissue. Anatomy of the Adrenal (Suprarenal) Glands These hormones then diffuse away from their sources and exert their chemical effects at a group of cells or an organ that is either in close proximity to the endocrine gland or distant from it. As was stated in our Endocrine System and Pancreatic Cancer Brain Builder, the endocrine system is composed of ductless glands that release chemical-signaling substances, termed hormones, into either the interstitial fluid, lymphatic system, or cardiovascular system. The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system. This Brain Builder will briefly review the endocrine system, discuss the anatomy of the adrenal (suprarenal) glands, their secretions, followed by a discussion of Addison disease, a disease that can be fatal if not recognized early and treated appropriately. By Robert Tallitsch, PhD | Video on the Adrenal Glands including an explanation of Addison's Disease!
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