Adrenal Gland – Tutorial

Please read Unit 6 – Introduction to Endocrine Tissues prior to completing the activities in this chapter.

Introduction to the Adrenal Gland

The adrenal glands (suprarenal glands) are a pair of complex endocrine structures located retroperitoneally just superior to the kidneys.  The adrenal glands are separated into two distinct regions known as the adrenal cortex (outer region) and adrenal medulla (inner core) which secrete distinctly different categories of hormones.

The adrenal cortex secretes a variety of steroid hormones and is further subdivided into three distinct zones.  The outermost (most superficial) zone of the adrenal cortex is known as the zona glomerulosa and is responsible for secreting a category of steroid hormones known collectively as mineralcorticoids.  The middle zone of the adrenal cortex is known as the zona fasciculata which secretes a group of steroid hormones known collectively as glucocorticoids.  The inner-most (deepest) zone of the adrenal cortex is known as the zona reticularis which secretes a small amount of androgens.  The adrenal medulla secretes primarily epinephrine (adrenaline) and smaller amounts of norepinephrine (noradrenaline).

Tutorial:  Use the image slider below to learn more about the characteristics of adrenal gland tissue. 

Microscopy:  Use the image slider below to learn how to use a microscope to study the adrenal gland on a microscope slide.

Tutorial:  Use the hotspot image below to learn more about the different regions within an adrenal gland and the hormones they secrete. 

Tutorial:  Use the image slider below to study numerous examples of adrenal gland tissue.