416 



THE THYROID AND ADRENALS. 



PARASITES. 



Echinococcus cysts have been found in the thyroid. 



Tlie Adrenals (Suprarenal Bodies, Suprarenal Capsules) . 

 Malformations . 



In aceplialic and other monsters the adrenals may be atrophied or entirely absent. 

 Sometimes in well-formed adults these organs cannot be discovered. There may be lit- 



FIG. ~'lfi. FATTY DEGENERATION' OF THE ADRENAL. 



tie rounded nodules loosely attached to the surface of the adrenals and having the same 

 structure. Accessory and misplaced adrenals are not uncommon. A few cases have 

 been reported of accessory adrenals in the broad ligament. 1 They may be present in 

 the liver. 2 



If one kidney be absent or in an abnormal position its adrenal usually retains its 

 proper position. 3 



ATROPHY AND DEGENERATION. 



Atrophy of the adrenals may be extreme. 



Fatty degeneration of the cortical portion is the rule in the adult. It 

 sometimes occurs in nodular areas (Fig. 216). In children under five 

 years of age it is pathological. 



Amyloid degeneration may involve both the cortical and medullary 

 portions. In the cortex it usually involves only the walls of the blood- 

 vessels; in the medulla both the blood-vessels and the cells of the paren- 

 chyma may undergo this degeneration. The organs are usually firm 

 and have a grayish, semitranslucent appearance. 



'See Warthin, American Journal of Obstetrics, vol. xlii., 1900, bibl. 

 * See Jfoyes, Trans. New York Path. Soc., 1899-1900. 



a For consideration of relationship of the adrenals to the nervous system, see Alex- 

 ander, Ziegler's Beitr. z. path. Anat., Bd. xi., p. 145, bibl. 



