On an axial contrast CT of the abdomen at the level of T12, a triangular soft tissue density is noted posterior to the inferior vena cava, between the right lobe of the liver and the right crus of the diaphragm. This structure is the:
- A Right kidney
- B Coeliac ganglion
- C Right adrenal gland ✓
- D Head of pancreas
Explanation
The right adrenal gland occupies the angle between the right crus of the diaphragm and the bare area of the liver, sitting posterolateral to the IVC, and appears triangular or linear on axial sections. It lies higher than the upper pole of the right kidney, which is why it may be seen on sections where the kidney itself is absent. The coeliac ganglia cluster around the coeliac trunk anterior to the aortic crura, and the pancreatic head lies far lower and more anterior.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.