1.2: Anatomy of Upper Urinary Tract Flashcards
What is the urinary tract?
This the anatomical structures that urine must pass through from production to excretion
What are the components of the urinary tract (4)?
Kidneys Ureter Bladder Urethra
Describe the role of kidneys in the urinary tract?
Produce Urine
Describe the role of the ureter in the urinary tract?
Drains urine from the kidney to the bladder
Describe the role of the bladder in the urinary tract?
Stores/voids urine
Voids = Empties
Describe the role of the urethra in the urinary tract?
Excretion of urine (Excretion of semen in males)
Describe the differences between the male and female urethra?
Males urethra is much longer
Males urethra excretions semen and urine while females just excretes urine
What are the two subdivisions of the urinary tract? What do they contain?
Upper = Kidneys and ureter
Lower = Bladder and urethra
The urinary tract is spread over three regions of the body… Which regions?
Abdomen Pelvis Perineum
Which part of the urinary tract is contained in the abdomen?
The kidneys The proximal ureter
Which part of the urinary tract is contained in the pelvis?
The distal ureter The bladder The proximal urethra
Which part of the urinary tract is contained the perineum?
The distal urethra
Where is the separation between the abdomen and the pelvis?
At the level of the hip bones (iliac crests) This is at the level of L4
At what vertebral level is the bifurcation of the abdominal aorta?
L4
Describe the location of the kidneys
These are retroperitoneal organs
Located in the abdominal cavity
Part of the upper urinary tract
What surface of the kidney is in contact with the peritoneum?
The anterior surface of the kidney is in contact with the peritoneum
What is the right kidney next to? What is the left kidney next to?
Right is next to the IVC Left is next to the abdominal aorta
What are the structures of the renal hilum?
Renal Artery Renal Vein Ureter
Name the structures A–>M
A = Anterolateral abdominal wall muscles
B = Right Back Muscles
C = Left Back Muscles
D = Posterior abdominal wall muscles
E = Renal Hilum
F = Right Kidney
G = IVC
H = Aorta
I = Right L2, Left L1
J = Psoas Major
K = Left Quadratus Lumborum
L = Renal Hilum
M = Left Kidney
Name the structures A –> E?
A = Renal Capsule B = Perinephric Fat C = Renal (Deep) Fascia D = Paranephric Fat E = Visceral Peritoneum
Fill in the blanks: ‘The kidneys lie anterior to XXXX and lateral to XXXX’
The kidneys lie anterior to quadratus lumborum and lateral to psoas major
Which vertebral level does the right kidney lie at?
L1-L3
Which vertebral level does the left kidney lie at?
T12-L2
Describe protection of the kidneys?
The kidneys are partially protected by the anterolateral abdominal wall muscles, the posterior abdominal wall muscles and the floating ribs