2.5 The Kidneys, Suprarenals and Ureters

Question 1

What vertebral level do the Kidneys lie at?

Answer 1

T12-L3

Question 2

Why does the Right Kidney sit lower than the Left Kidney?

Answer 2

Due to the presence of the Liver on the Right hand side of the Body

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 Hilum of the Kidney?

Answer 4

The area where the structures enter / leave the kidney

Question 5

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

Answer 5

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

Question 6

How are the Kidneys Peritonised?

Answer 6

They are Retroperitoneal

Question 7

What is the anatomical location, in relation to the Kidney, of the Suprarenal Gland?

Answer 7

Directly Superior

Question 8

What type of Gland is the Suprarenal Gland?

Answer 8

Endocrine Gland

Question 9

What Artery travels over the Left Renal Vein?

Answer 9

The Superior Mesenteric Artery

Question 10

What carries the urine from the Kidney to the Bladder?

Answer 10

Ureters (muscular ducts)

Question 11

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

Answer 11

Pelvis of the Ureter

Question 12

What 3 locations is the Ureter normally constricted at during it’s course from the Kidney to the Bladder?

Answer 12

1. At the Junction of the Ureters and the Renal Pelvis (The Pelviurteric Junction)
2. The Pelvic Brim - When the Ureter crosses the External Iliac Artery
3. The Vesicoureteric Junction - Where the Ureters enter the Bladder