position of the adrenal gland cavity and spaces- the adrenal glands are found within in the abdominal cavity in the retroperitoneum above the kidneys rightward and leftward positioning- the adrenals lie on either side of the vertebral column against the superomedial surface of the corresponding kidney craniocaudal positioning- the adrenals both lie just below the diaphragm anteroposterior positioning- they are relatively posteriorly placed bringing them into contact with the vertebral column long axis- the vertex of the gland points anteriorly and medially and the limbs point posteriorly and laterally
relations of the adrenal gland the right adrenal gland’s base is on the kidney the gland lies between the diaphragm posteromedially and the ivc anteromedially on its anterior surface is the bare area of the liver the gland’s inferior end is covered by peritoneum reflected onto it from the liver its hilum is on its anterior surface and from it the right adrenal vein leaves to drain into the vena cava the left adrenal gland extends further inferiorly on the medial margin of the kidney than does the right the left gland is related anteriorly to the stomach and pancreas and posteriorly to the diaphragm its hilum is also anterior and from it the left adrenal vein leaves to drain into the left renal vein
RELATIONS Anteriorly are found the celiac trunk and its branches along with the celiac plexus of nerves. Inferior to this is the superior mesenteric artery leaving the aorta, and crossing anterior to the left renal vein. The body of the pancreas with posterior splenic vein extends superiorly and to the left across the abdominal aorta, separated by the superior mesenteric artery and left renal vein. Below the pancreas, the proximal parts of the testicular/ovarian arteries, and the horizontal part of the duodenum are anterior. The lowest part of the abdominal aorta is covered by the posterior parietal peritoneum. Posterior to the abdominal aorta are the upper four lumbar vertebrae, intervening intervertebral discs, and the anterior longitudinal ligament of the spine. Paired lumbar arteries arising from its dorsal aspect and the 3rd and 4th left lumbar veins cross behind the abdominal aorta (1) On the right, the aorta is related to the cisterna chyli and thoracic duct, azygos vein, and right crus of the diaphragm, which overlaps and separates it from the inferior vena cava. Below the second lumbar vertebra, the aorta adjoins the inferior vena cava On the left, the aorta is related above to the left diaphragmatic crus and left celiac ganglion. At the second lumbar vertebra, the duodenojejunal flexure and sympathetic trunk descending are in close proximity to the aorta (2) As with the thoracic aorta, the abdominal aorta is intimately associated with an autonomic plexus along its length