There are two adrenal glands, both are located atop the kidneys.
The adrenal glands are surrounded by adipose tissue to protect them and the kidneys. Superficially, there is a fibrous layer that encompasses the adrenal gland. Moving interiorly, the adrenal gland is divided into two particular layers with different functions: the outer cortex and the inner medulla. Additionally, the outer cortex is also divided into three zones: the zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis (superior to inferior respectively).
- The zona glomerulosa of the cortex makes mineralocorticoids like aldosterone.
- The zona fasciculata of the cortex makes glucocorticoids like cortisol.
- The zona reticularis of the cortex makes androgens and DHEA.
- The inner medulla makes catecholamines and epinephrine.
