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TEXT-BOOK OF PHYSIOLOGY. 



anatomic connection with the kidneys, but are situated at varying dis- 

 tances from them. 



Histology. The gland is covered externally by a fibrous tissue from 

 which septa pass into the more central portions thus forming a framework 

 for the support of blood-vessels and cells. 



A section of the gland shpws just beneath the capsule an outer portion 

 termed the cortex and an inner portion termed the medulla (Fig. 215). The 

 cortex consists mainly of cuboid cells arranged in cylindric columns. The 

 outer layers of cells are arranged in irregular masses forming what has been 

 called the zona glomerulosa. The medulla consists of uniting and interlacing 



cords of polyhedral cells, the cytoplasm of which 

 contains granular matter and a distinct nucleus. 

 When treated with chromic acid or chromium 

 salts the cytoplasm stains a dull brown or yellow 

 color. For this reason they are termed chro- 

 maffin cells. Similar cells are found in sym- 

 pathetic ganglia. 



The gland is abundantly supplied with 

 blood-vessels and nerves. The arteries are 

 branches of the aorta, the phrenic, and renal 

 arteries. After penetrating the gland they 

 divide into smaller branches and capillaries 

 which ultimately come into close relation with 

 the cells of both the cortex and medulla. 

 The veins emerge from the gland at the hilum 

 and empty on the right side into the vena cava 

 and on the left side into the renal vein. The 

 nerves passing to the gland are derived for the 

 most part from the autonomic system. The 

 pre-ganglionic fibers pass from the cord by way 

 of the splanchnics to the semilunar ganglion. 

 The post-ganglionic pass from the semilunar 

 FIG. 215. SECTION OF HUMAN ganglia through its branches direct to the gland. 

 SUPRARENAL BODY, a, fibrous According to Bergmann nerves come from the 



The Effects of Disease and Removal of 



capsule; b, zona glomerulosa; c, . 



zona fasciculata; rf, zona reticularis; phrenic and vagUS also. 



e, medullary cords;/, venous chan- 



id; ft ganglion-ceils. (Piersol). the Adrenal Glands. -It was observed by Addi- 

 son that a profound disturbance of the nutrition, characterized by a 

 bronze-like discoloration of the skin and of the mucous membranes 

 of the mouth, extreme muscular weakness, and profound anemia, were asso- 

 ciated with, if not dependent on, pathologic conditions of the suprarenal 

 glands. In the progress of the disease the asthenia gradually increases, the 

 heart becomes weak, the pulse small, soft, and feeble, indicating a general 

 loss of tone of the muscular and vascular apparatus. Death ensues from 

 paralysis of the respiratory muscles. The essential nature of the lesion 

 which gives rise to these symptoms has not in all instances been determined. 

 A very common lesion is a tuberculous degeneration. The symptoms were 

 attributed by Addison to a loss of the function of the glands. 



Removal of these bodies from various animals is invariably and in a 



