Posterior surface of suprarenal gland

The posterior surface of the suprarenal (adrenal) gland is the aspect of the gland that faces posteriorly in the retroperitoneum and rests against the diaphragm (specifically the crus of the diaphragm) and the upper pole of the kidney.

Detailed anatomical relations by side:

• Right suprarenal gland: The posterior surface lies along the right crus of the diaphragm. The gland is pyramidal in shape and sits at the apex of the right kidney, with its posterior aspect resting on the diaphragmatic crus. The right adrenal gland is positioned posterior to the inferior vena cava (IVC), with the IVC representing an anterior relation rather than a posterior one.

• Left suprarenal gland: The posterior surface is related to the left crus of the diaphragm and to the upper pole (or hilum) of the left kidney, extending along the medial margin of the kidney. The left gland has a semilunar (crescent) shape and lies on the superomedial aspect of the left kidney.