Which endocrine gland is situated superior to the kidneys?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option B
The correct answer is Adrenal.
- The endocrine gland situated superior (on top) to the kidneys is the adrenal gland.
- These glands are also known as suprarenal glands because of their location above (supra) the kidneys (renal).
- Each adrenal gland consists of two parts: the outer cortex and the inner medulla, both of which secrete important hormones involved in stress response, metabolism, blood pressure regulation, and more.
- The thyroid gland is located in the neck, anterior to the trachea.
- The pituitary gland is found at the base of the brain within the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone.
- The parathyroid glands are small glands located on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland.
Hence, the adrenal gland is the only endocrine gland anatomically positioned directly superior to the kidneys.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd Edition, Vol 1, Chapter: The Endocrine System / Page 1123
- The endocrine gland situated superior (on top) to the kidneys is the adrenal gland.
- These glands are also known as suprarenal glands because of their location above (supra) the kidneys (renal).
- Each adrenal gland consists of two parts: the outer cortex and the inner medulla, both of which secrete important hormones involved in stress response, metabolism, blood pressure regulation, and more.
- The thyroid gland is located in the neck, anterior to the trachea.
- The pituitary gland is found at the base of the brain within the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone.
- The parathyroid glands are small glands located on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland.
Hence, the adrenal gland is the only endocrine gland anatomically positioned directly superior to the kidneys.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd Edition, Vol 1, Chapter: The Endocrine System / Page 1123
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