214 



THE SUPRA-RENAL CAPSULES. 



cells of the gland substance ; in the broader middle zone, the meshes are elongated 

 and the cells filling them are arranged in columns radiating outwards. Here the 

 cells are transparent and nucleated, often containing oil globules ; in the innermost 



narrow zone the polygonal arrangement 

 prevails, and the cells often contain 

 yellowish-brown pigment. In the medulla 

 (c) the stroma forms a reticulum contain- 

 ing groups of cells of very irregular shape. 

 Numerous blood-vessels occur in the 

 gland, especially in the cortex. [The 

 nerves are extremely numerous, and are 

 derived from the renal and solar plexuses. 

 Many of the fibres are medullated. After 

 they enter the gland, numerous ganglionic 

 cells occur in the plexuses which they form. 

 Indeed, some observers regard the cells of 

 the medulla as nervous. Undoubtedly, 

 numerous mu Itipolar nerve-cells exist with- 

 in the gland.] (Eberth, Creighton, v. 

 Brunn). 



Chemical Composition. The supra- 



renals contain the constituents of connec- 

 tive-tissue and nerve-tissue; also leiicin, 

 hypoxanthin, benzoic, hippuric, andtauro- 

 cholic acids, taurin, inosit, fats, and a body 

 which becomes pigmented by oxidation. 

 Amongst inorganic substances potash and 

 phosphoric acid are most abundant. 



The function of the supra-renal bodies 

 is quite unknown. It is noticeable, how- 

 ever, that in Addison's disease ("bronzed 

 skin ") which is perhaps primarily a 

 nervous affection, these glands have fre- 

 quently, but not invariably, been found 

 to be diseased. Owing to the injury to 

 adjacent abdominal organs extirpation of 

 these organs is often, although not always, 

 fatal. Brown-Se'quard thinks they may 

 be concerned in preventing the over-production of pigment in the blood. 



Fig. 95. 



Section of a human supra-renal capsule 

 a, capsule ; b, gland cells of the 

 cortex arranged in columns ; c, 

 glandular net-work of the medulla ; 

 d, blood-vessels. 



V. Hypophysis Cerebri Coccygeal and Carotid 



Glands. 



The hypophysis Cerebri, or pituitary body, consists of an anterior lower or 

 larger lobe partly embracing the posterior lower or smaller lobe. These two lobes 

 are distinct in their structure and development. The posterior lobe is a part of 

 the brain, and belongs to the infimdibulum. The nervous elements are displaced 

 by the ingrowth of connective-tissue and blood-vessels. The anterior portion 

 represents an inflected and much-altered portion of ectoderm, from which it is 

 developed. It contains gland-like structures, with connective-tissue, lymphatics 

 and blood-vessels, the whole being surrounded by a capsule. According to Ecker 

 and Mihalkowicz, it resembles the supra-renal capsule in its structure, while, 



