Where are the adrenal glands located?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: September 27, 2026 • View editorial policy

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question

Adrenal Gland Location

The adrenal glands are paired endocrine organs located in the retroperitoneum at the superior (top) part of each kidney 1, 2, 3.

Anatomical Details

The adrenals are retroperitoneal structures with a close anatomic relationship to the kidneys 2. Specifically:

  • Position: Situated at the upper pole of each kidney
  • Number: Two glands (bilateral/paired organs)
  • Compartment: Retroperitoneal space (behind the peritoneal cavity)

Structural Composition

Each adrenal gland consists of two functionally distinct components 3:

  • Adrenal cortex (outer layer): Of mesoblastic origin, produces steroid hormones including mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens
  • Adrenal medulla (inner core): Of neuroectoblastic origin, responsible for catecholamine synthesis (adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine)

Clinical Relevance

Understanding adrenal location is essential because:

  • Adrenal lesions are commonly detected on cross-sectional abdominal imaging (4-10% of CT scans) 4
  • The glands' retroperitoneal position makes them readily visible on CT and MRI imaging
  • Their proximity to the kidneys means they are frequently visualized during abdominal imaging performed for other indications

The adrenal glands' superior positioning relative to the kidneys explains why they are often called "suprarenal glands" in anatomical terminology.

References

1
Research

[Development of the human adrenal glands].

Annales d'endocrinologie, 2005

2
Research

Anatomy and pathology of the adrenal glands.

The Urologic clinics of North America, 1989

3
Research

Adrenal Anatomy and Physiology.

The Urologic clinics of North America, 2025

4
Guideline

imaging of adrenal masses.

Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologist, 2025

Related Questions

How should a 10-year-old boy with two episodes of diarrhea, mild abdominal pain, and no fever be managed?
Should a 1.1 cm ovarian follicle be followed up with repeat ultrasound?
How should I manage a 10-month-old infant with a rectal temperature of 100.6 °F and two episodes of vomiting?
What is the recommended evaluation and management for a 10-year-old male with pubic pain, intermittent dysuria for 2–3 months, decreased appetite, and urine specific gravity of 1.015?
Why does an 11‑day‑old neonate who drinks only 45–55 mL of a prescribed 70 mL per feed because of fatigue stop feeding, and what further diagnostic work‑up is indicated?
In a child with acute shoulder pain, inability to use the arm, and normal plain radiographs, could this represent a traction (distraction) injury to the axillary nerve or brachial plexus?
What is the recommended treatment for an adult male with recurrent and persistent non‑gonococcal urethritis (NGU)?
If there are no red‑flag findings in a child with a shoulder injury, can I discharge the patient and instruct the family to return to the emergency department if there is no improvement after one week?
When and how should ferrous sulfate be administered to an infant in a primary health care setting?
What is the recommended management for a 63-year-old woman with an LDL‑C of 180 mg/dL?
For a 25‑year‑old man with severe neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, low norepinephrine, seronegative autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy associated with ulcerative colitis, and supine hypertension (150/90 mmHg), who is currently off fludrocortisone, midodrine, pyridostigmine, atomoxetine, and ivabradine, is it appropriate to discontinue fludrocortisone and nebivolol, start droxidopa with titration, consider adding midodrine or pyridostigmine if needed, continue Vyvanse 40 mg daily, and initiate a 12‑week intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) trial?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.