This low magnification
image shows the cortex and medulla of the adrenal gland. The gland is covered
by a thick connective tissue capsule, stained blue by aniline blue. The capsule
contains arteries that carry blood into the cortex. Beneath the capsule is
the thick adrenal cortex, containing cells organized into morphologically
distinct groups. The center of the gland is occupied by the adrenal medulla
in which the cells are irregularly arranged. Several large blood vessels can
be seen within the medulla at the boundary with the cortex. The secretory
cells of the cortex and medulla are surrounded by capillaries which carry
away the hormones secreted by the cells.
