ABSTRACT
The adrenal glands are at the level of the twelfth thoracic vertebra. Anatomically, the adrenal gland is divided into two distinct areas: an outer cortex and inner medulla.
Adrenal cortex: ➤ Site of synthesis of corticosteroid hormones (glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids)
and androgens. ➤ Under neuroendocrine control via the hypothalamic – pituitary – adrenal axis. ➤ Part of the renin – angiotensin – aldosterone pathway. ➤ Divided into three functional zones from outside to inside: zona glomerulosa, zona
fasiculata and zona reticularis (an easy way to remember this is ‘GFR’).
