Cross Section of the Adrenal Gland and the Kidney

Description

Superior to the renal upper pole, the suprarenal (adrenal) gland is sectioned to reveal its peripheral cortex and central medulla, with the capsule forming the outer boundary. Cortical zonation is typically distinguished as zona glomerulosa externally, zona fasciculata in the mid cortex, and zona reticularis adjacent to the medulla, while the medulla sits centrally around the collecting venous channels. Inferior to the gland, the kidney cross section exposes the renal cortex encircling the medullary pyramids, their papillae projecting into minor calyces that converge into the renal pelvis and continue as the ureter. Spatial relationships are emphasized: adrenal superior and medial to the kidney, renal pelvis medial, ureter descending inferiorly. For teaching endocrine anatomy, this sectional view clarifies why adrenal pathology and renal pathology can present as a single suprarenal mass on imaging, and why the plane of section matters when differentiating an adrenal adenoma from an upper pole renal tumor. The cortex–medulla distinction supports clinical correlation with hormone production, for example hyperaldosteronism from zona glomerulosa lesions versus pheochromocytoma arising from chromaffin cells of the medulla. Small structures, big consequences. Use this illustration in gross anatomy and endocrine blocks to pair renal parenchymal organization with adrenal cortical zonation, or in radiology and pathology materials that explain sagittal or cross-sectional correlation for CT and MRI of the suprarenal region. It also suits surgical education for adrenalectomy planning where proximity to the renal hilum, renal vessels, and ureter frames operative risk. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.