Urology>>>>>Anatomy & Embryology
Question 3#

Which one of the following is TRUE regarding the adrenal glands?

A. The right gland is round in shape and lies lower than the left
B. The zona fasciculata produces sex hormones
C. The cortex contains chromaffin cells, which produce catecholamines
D. The blood supply to the adrenal gland includes the inferior phrenic artery
E. Postganglionic sympathetic fibres directly innervate the adrenal glands

Correct Answer is D

Comment:

Answer D

The pair of adrenal glands are located just above each kidney in the retroperitoneum enclosed by Gerota’s fascia. In the newborn, the glands weigh much more but the cortex undergoes a degree of atrophy over the following 12 months to reach the adult weight of 5 g. The right gland is more triangular in shape and lies higher than the left. Each is made up of an outer cortex and an inner medulla, which contains catecholamine producing chromaffin cells. The cortex makes up the majority of the gland weight and consists of three distinct zones producing different hormones:

• Outer zona glomerulosa – Mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone)
• Middle zona fasciculata – Glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol)
• Inner zona reticularis – Sex hormones

The blood supplying the glands stems from the aorta, inferior phrenic and ipsilateral renal arteries. Preganglionic sympathetic fibres directly innervate the medulla to stimulate catecholamine release.