2.5 Kidneys, Suprarenals & Ureters

Question 1

Where do the kidneys lie on the posterior abdominal wall?

Answer 1

level of the T12 - L3 vertebrae

Question 2

Why does the right kidney lie slightly lower than the left kidney?

Answer 2

Due to the presence and position of the liver

Question 3

What are the 3 structures which enter / leave the Kidney?

Answer 3

1. The Renal Artery 2. The Renal Vein 3. The Ureter

Question 4

What is the Anterior to Posterior arrangement of these Structures leaving the Hilum of the Kidney?

Answer 4

Anterior - The Renal Vein
Middle - The Renal Artery
Posterior - The Ureter

Question 5

How are the kidneys peritonised?

Answer 5

Retroperitoneal

Question 6

What type of gland is the suprarenal (adrenal) gland?

Answer 6

Endocrine - produces a variety of hormones including adrenaline and the steroids aldosterose & cortisol

Question 7

Where is the suprarenal (adrenal) gland situated?

Answer 7

Directly superior to the kidney; over the medial aspect of the upper poles of each kidney

Question 8

What are the ureters?

Answer 8

Muscular ducts carrying urine from the kidneys to the bladder?

Question 9

What is the term used to describe the expanded upper part of the ureter?

Answer 9

Renal pelvis

Question 10

What are the 3 areas of urea constriction during its course from the kidneys to the urinary bladder?

Answer 10

1. At the junction of the ureters and renal pelvis (pelviureteric junction)
2. At the pelvic brim, where the ureter crosses the external iliac artery
3. At the vesicoureteric junction, where the ureter enters the bladder

Question 11

How are the ureters peritonised?

Answer 11

Retroperitoneal (they have an abdominal course & a pelvic course)

Question 12

What artery travels over the left renal vein?

Answer 12

Superior mesenteric