Structure of the Adult Adrenal Cortex

Abstract

The overall dimensions of the adult adrenal glands are similar; they measure on average, 5.0 cm by 2.5 cm along their major axes with the left gland tending to be slightly (2-3 mm) wider. The right gland is pyramidal in outline and is often described as resembling a cocked-hat; the left gland is crescentic in shape. Both have a concave posterior surface where they abut onto the kidneys, with a ridge-like crest that increases in prominence laterally (Fig. 4.1). The anterior surface of both glands is flat, except for the anterior groove from which the main adrenal vein emerges, and which is more prominent on the left adrenal. Computerised tomography (CT) of the adrenal glands tends to give linear or V-shaped profiles of the right gland with Y-shaped triradiate shapes formed by the left (Wilms et al. 1979).