ABSTRACT
Adrenal glands are paired glands located suprarenally and retroperitoneally. On cut section, they are pale yellow and have an outer cortex enveloping a central medulla. Cortex and medulla differ histologically and secrete steroid and catecholamine owing to difference in their origin and are regulated by separate control systems. Chromaffin cells are the functional cells of the adrenal medulla and are derived from the neural crest, while the cortex develops from the mesoderm. Adult adrenal cortex consists of three anatomically distinct zones, outer zona glomerulosa, which produces mineralocorticoid aldosterone, regulated by angiotensin II, potassium, and ACTH; central zona fasciculata, which produces glucocorticoid, regulated by ACTH; and inner zona reticularis, which produces dehydroepiandrostenedione (DHEA), DHEA sulfate, and androstenedione (androgen) secretion.
