ABSTRACT
The adrenal glands are paired structures located at the superior pole of each kidney. Each adrenal gland is composed of an inner neuroectoderm-derived medulla surrounded by an outer mesoderm-derived cortex. The cortex is further subdivided into three functionally distinct layers responsible for the synthesis and release of mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and sex steroid hormone precursors, respectively. The adrenal medulla is responsible for the production and release of the catecholamines, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. The unique anatomic and physiologic features of the adrenal gland create an interesting set of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative issues that must be addressed if adrenalectomy is to be safely performed.
