adrenal gland

adrenal gland definition - medical

adrenal gland

noun
Either of two small, dissimilarly shaped endocrine glands, one located above each kidney, consisting of the cortex, which secretes several steroid hormones, and the medulla, which secretes epinephrine. Also called epinephros, paranephros, suprarenal gland.

(click for a larger image)

adrenal gland

Top: position of adrenal glands in relation to kidneys

Bottom: cross section of right adrenal gland

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Comments


Do you have more to add? Sign in to share your linguistic knowledge or observation.

Connect with Facebook