savoy096

While studying for a physiology quiz this weekend, I was surprised to learn that the circulation of the adrenal glands is asymmetrical. Let me clarify: this is not one of those quirky asymmetries like having one ear that is higher than the other, a charming but inconsequential flaw. The adrenal glands straight up drain through different routes: the left adrenal gland drains to the left adrenal vein, the left renal vein, and the inferior vena cava, while the right adrenal gland drains to the right adrenal vein directly into the inferior vena cava. This may not be a big deal to you (and perhaps you were already aware of this travesty), but it really threw off my internal dogma of human anatomy. I was under the impression that paired structures in the body were essentially symmetrical. Each individual possesses variations on the theme, but the blueprint is balanced. The adrenal glands appeared to be fraudulent. As a medical student, I can identify with the adrenal glands. People make assu...