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Identification:
Look for a multilayered effect, with several layers with different "textures" due to differing arrangements of cells. Lacks the tubular or circular structures seen in many of the other slides. At low power the gland may often (but not always) appear roughly triangular.
Features to know:
- The irregular outermost layer of connective tissue is the capsule (1).
- The next region deep to the capsule is the adrenal cortex (2-4), which itself is subdivided into 3 zones:
- The first (outermost) layer of the cortex is the zona glomerulosa (2). It is fairly thin, and there are noticable spaces between the small clusters of cells.
- Next is the zona fasiculata (3). It is the thickest layer and can be recognized by having cells arranged in distinct vertical columns.
- The deepest layer of the cortex is the zona reticularis (4). Its cells are rather irregularly arranged.
- The deepest portion of the adrenal gland is the adrenal medulla (5). There are usually noticable gaps between the cells, including larger blood vessels.
Hormones produced:
- Cortex: Aldosterone, cortisol, androgens
- Medulla: Epinephrine & norepinephrine
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