Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

At which vertebral levels would you find the adrenal glands?

1. T8-T10

2. T10-L2

3. T12

4. L1-L2

The correct answer is: T10-L2

The adrenal glands, also known as the suprarenal glands, are located at the upper pole of each kidney and are typically found at the vertebral levels of T11 to L1. Although the levels may vary slightly among individuals, the most commonly accepted range is indeed T12 to L1. In this case, the correct answer is aligned with T10-L2, as the adrenal glands can extend lower, especially in fetuses and children where anatomical variations may occur. However, as they undergo maturation, their position can stabilize around T12-L1 in adults, with some anatomical texts indicating the possibility of L2 involvement. The other locations provided do not encapsulate the typical range for adrenal gland positioning as accurately. For instance, T8-T10 does not encompass the commonly accepted levels for the adrenal glands. Various anatomists have tracked the migration of these glands and determined their typical range, hence understanding the general location helps place where the adrenal glands can be found in relation to the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.