Suprarenal Glands: A Morphometric Analysis in Adult Indian Population

Abstract Background: Suprarenal glands are paired glands located over the medial aspect of the upper pole of both the kidneys. Regardless of their small size, these glands are of utmost importance because of its endocrine function. The present study deals with the gross morphometric measurements of human adult suprarenal glands. Methodology: Forty pairs of suprarenal glands were procured and dissected after fixing with 10% formalin and then subjected to morphometric analysis. Results: The maximum transverse width of the right suprarenal gland was observed as 4.51 ± 0.81 cm and the left suprarenal gland was observed as 4.22 ± 0.68 cm. The maximum vertical length of the right suprarenal gland was observed as 2.84 ± 0.89 cm and the left suprarenal gland was observed as 1.88 ± 0.73 cm. The maximum anteroposterior thickness of the right suprarenal gland was observed as 0.65 ± 0.39 cm and the left suprarenal gland was observed as 1.02 ± 1.00 cm. The mean weight of the right suprarenal gland was observed as 4.33 ± 0.77 g and the left suprarenal gland was observed as 4.45 ± 1.10 g. Conclusion: The present study suggests that the weight of suprarenal gland majorly depends on the anteroposterior thickness of the gland. Precise knowledge of suprarenal gland dimensions is very crucial for microsurgeries involving kidneys and suprarenal glands. The data obtained from the present study will also aid to the literature and assist the radiologists, endocrinologists, and surgeons to deduce diagnosis and perform surgery.