This document summarizes the histology of the adrenal gland. It describes the location of the right and left adrenal glands near the kidneys. Microscopically, each gland consists of an outer cortex and inner medulla. The cortex contains three zones - zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis - that synthesize different hormones. The medulla contains chromaffin cells that secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine. The document provides details on the structure, function, and hormone production of each zone of the cortex and the cells of the medulla.
This document summarizes the histology of the adrenal gland. It describes the location of the right and left adrenal glands near the kidneys. Microscopically, each gland consists of an outer cortex and inner medulla. The cortex contains three zones - zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis - that synthesize different hormones. The medulla contains chromaffin cells that secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine. The document provides details on the structure, function, and hormone production of each zone of the cortex and the cells of the medulla.
This document summarizes the histology of the adrenal gland. It describes the location of the right and left adrenal glands near the kidneys. Microscopically, each gland consists of an outer cortex and inner medulla. The cortex contains three zones - zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis - that synthesize different hormones. The medulla contains chromaffin cells that secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine. The document provides details on the structure, function, and hormone production of each zone of the cortex and the cells of the medulla.
This document summarizes the histology of the adrenal gland. It describes the location of the right and left adrenal glands near the kidneys. Microscopically, each gland consists of an outer cortex and inner medulla. The cortex contains three zones - zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis - that synthesize different hormones. The medulla contains chromaffin cells that secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine. The document provides details on the structure, function, and hormone production of each zone of the cortex and the cells of the medulla.
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Histology of Adrenal gland
Dr.P.Sasikala, Assistant Professor of Anatomy
Location Abdomen at the superior poles of the kidneys and are embedded in adipose tissue Right suprarenal gland is pyramid-shaped and sits directly on top of the right kidney, Left suprarenal gland is more crescent-shaped and lies along the medial border of the left kidney from the hilus to its superior pole
Microstructure of Adrenal gland
Each suprarenal gland is covered by a connective tissue capsule from which septa extend into the gland substance, accompanied by blood vessels and nerves. Made up of two functionally distinct parts: Superficial part called the cortex, and Deeper part called the medulla. The volume of the cortex is about ten times that of the medulla.
Suprarenal cortex Contains parenchymal cells that synthesize and secrete several steroid hormones without storing them Subdivided histologically into three concentric zones named, from the capsule inward, the zona glomerulosa, the zona fasciculata, and the zona reticularis
Suprarenal cortex Zona glomerulosa Occupy 13% of the cortex Immediately beneath the capsule Columnar or pyramidal cells Arranged in closely packed, rounded, arched cords, or clusters Cells have deeply staining nuclei and a basophilic cytoplasm containing a few lipid droplets.
Suprarenal cortex Synthesize and secrete the mineralocorticoid hormones, principally aldosterone and some deoxycorticosterone. Synthesis of these hormones is stimulated by angiotensin II and ACTH, both required for normal existence of glomerulosa cells. Function in controlling fluid and electrolyte balance of the body by affecting the function of the renal tubules, specifically the distal convoluted tubules
Suprarenal cortex Zona Fasciculata Occupy 80% of the cortex Intermediate zone Large polyhedral cells with basophilic cytoplasm and vesicular nuclei Cells contain lipid droplets in their cytoplasm appears vacuolated Cells are also called spongiocytes due to vacuolization Arranged in one or two cell layers thick straight cords Contains sinusoidal capillaries that are arranged longitudinally between the columns of parenchymal cells
Suprarenal cortex Zona Fasciculata Cells of the zona fasciculata synthesize and secrete the glucocorticoid hormones cortisol and corticosterone. Synthesis of these hormones is stimulated by ACTH. Glucocorticoids function in the control of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism Decrease antibody responses and have an anti-inflammatory effect
Suprarenal cortex Zona Reticularis Occupy 7% of the cortex Innermost layer lies between zona fasciculata and medulla Smaller cells with fewer lipid droplets disposed in irregular cords forming an anastomosing network Presence of large and numerous lipofuscin pigment granules
Suprarenal cortex Zona Reticularis Near the suprarenal medulla, cells are dark with electron-dense cytoplasm and pyknotic nuclei, which suggests that this zone contains degenerating parenchymal cells Synthesize and secrete androgens, principally dehydroepiandrosterone and some androstenedione and also small amounts of glucocorticoids Both weak, masculinizing sex hormones, Under normal conditions, the influence of these hormones is insignificant.
EM Structure of Cells of the Cortex
Cells in all layers of the cortex are characterized by the presence of Abundant agranular (or smooth) endoplasmic reticulum. Golgi complex is best developed in cells of the zona fasciculata. Mitochondria are elongated in the glomerulosa, spherical in the fasciculata, and unusual with tubular cisternae (instead of the usual plates) in reticularis.
Adrenal medulla Lies in the center of the adrenal gland Made up of groups or columns of cells Cell groups or columns are separated by wide sinusoids. Cells are columnar or polyhedral and have a basophilic cytoplasm. Called Chromaffin cells
Adrenal medulla Functionally, the cells are considered to be modified postganglionic sympathetic neurons. Neural crest derivatives secrete catecholamines Epinephrine and Norepinephrine Secretion takes place mainly at times of stress (fear, anger)
Sympathetic neurons
EM Structure of Cells of the
Medulla Contain abundant granular endoplasmic reticulum (in contrast to the agranular endoplasmic reticulum of cortical cells), Prominent Golgi complex Also contain membrane bound secretory vesicles In some cells these vesicles are small and electron dense while in others they are large and not so dense. The former are contain noradrenalin and the latter adrenalin. The suprarenal medulla is now included in the APUD cell system .
Identification points Adrenal cortex consists of 3layers 1. Zona glomeruiosa 2. Zona fasciculata 3. Zona reticularis Adrenal medulla consists of chromaffin cells
