To better understand Cushing's disease, it helps to understand the anatomy of the pituitary and adrenal glands.

The adrenal glands are two triangular shaped endocrine glands located at the upper portion of each kidney.

The adrenal gland is composed of the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla.

The adrenal glands are stimulated by the pituitary gland, which is located in the lower, center part of the brain.