01.1 General Function and Anatomy Flashcards
Why is the right kidney lower than the left?
The liver
Where do the renal arteries arise from the abdominal aorta?
At L1/L2 immediately after the Superior Mesenteric Artery
Does the left renal vein cross the aorta anteriorly or posteriorly?
Anteriorly
What is the renal parenchyma?
The functional tissue of the kidney, consisting of the nephrons.
What are the layers surrounding the kidney? (Deep to superficial)
Renal Capsule
Perirenal Fat
Renal Fascia
What two layers make up the renal parenchyma?
Cortex
Medulla (Renal Pyramids)
What structure is located at the base of each renal pyramid and what structure do these associate with?
Renal papilla, each of these is associated with a minor calyx.
Urine passes from the minor calyxes, into major calyxes and finally into what structure?
Renal pelvises and into the ureters.
The medial border of each kidney is known as what?
Renal Hilum
What is a renal hilum?
Acts as a gateway which blood vessels, lymph vessels and ureters must pass through to get into or out of the kidneys.
Where are the kidneys located?
Retroperitoneal
Left Kidney = T11-L2
Right Kidney = T12-L3
Which renal artery is longer?
Right renal artery (as the aorta is just left of the midline).
What are the sequential divisions of the renal artery after it has passed through the renal hilum?
Segmental arteries
Interlobar arteries (either side of every renal pyramid)
Arcuate arteries
Interlobular arteries (90 degrees to the arcuate arteries)
Afferent arterioles
In the outer cortex what do the efferent arterioles form?
Peritubular network (associated with cortical nephrons)
In the inner cortex what do the efferent arterioles form?
Vasa recta (associated with juxtamedullary nephrons)
Where do the renal veins empty into?
Inferior vena cava.
Where is the bladder anatomically located? How does its location differ when full/empty?
Posterior to the pubic bones and symphysis
When empty = Tetrahedral in shape sitting in true pelvis
When full = Spherical and can reach the umbillicus
What is the posterior base formed by the ureter openings and the urethral opening called?
Trigone.
What is the main bladder muscle and what are the layers that make it up called?
Detrusor muscle.
Made of transverse, longitudinal and oblique smooth muscle.
What is the anatomical course of the ureters?
Descend from the renal pelvis retroperitoneally.
At the level of sacroiliac joints they cross the pelvic brim and the bifurcation of the common iliac arteries.
At the level of the ischial spines they move anteromedially and pierce the posteriolateral aspect of the bladder in an oblique manner.
What does the oblique entry angle of the ureters create?
A one way valve.
When pressure in the bladder is high, the ureters collapse preventing urine back flow.
What specific structure do the ureters pass in males and how does it pass them?
Vas deferens.
Ureters pass anterolaterally.
What specific structures in females do the ureters pass and what is the course?
Ovaries - Ureters pass posteriorly
Uterine artery - Ureters pass inferiorly (water under the bridge)
What three locations are the ureters at their narrowest?
Uretopelvic junction
Pelvic brim
At the entry to the bladder
What are the four parts of the male urethra, proximal to distal?
Pre prostatic urethra Prostatic urethra Membranous urethra Spongy urethra (Penile urethra)
What are the four main functions of the kidney?
Volume control
Osmolarity control
pH control
Excretion of waste products
What is the difference between osmolality and osmolarity?
Osmolality - solute per kilogram of solvent.
Osmolarity - number of is moles of solute per litre.
What is the function of the glomerulus?
Filter
- Water
- Electrolytes
- Small molecules
What is the function of the proximal convoluted tubule?
Major reabsorption
Most water and electrolytes
All glucose and amino acids
What is the function of the loop of Henle?
Further reabsorption
Creates the osmolarity gradient via counter current multiplication
What is the function of the distal convoluted tubule?
Variable reabsorption.
What is the function of the collecting duct?
Water can move from CD to the high osmolarity medulla.
