Abdominopelvic Viscera

Question 1

The Spleen

Answer 1

-Lymphatic organ
-Triangular shaped
-Intraperitoneal
-Upper left quadrant of abdomen
-Between ribs 9-11 at the midaxillary line

Question 2

The Spleen Functions

Answer 2

1. Filtration of red blood cells to remove old, larger and deformed cells
2. Prevention of infection

Question 3

Surfaces of the Spleen (4)

Answer 3

Posterior surface= diaphragmatic surface
Anterior surface= colic surface
Superior surface= gastric surface
Inferior surface= renal surface

Question 4

Blood Supply to Spleen

Answer 4

Celiac trunk -> splenic artery

Question 5

Hilum of the Spleen

Answer 5

-Medial concave area of spleen
-Vascular attachment site (splenic artery and vein)
-Spleen= intraperitoneal (lined on all sides by peritoneum)
-Splenorenal and splenogastric ligaments, closure of lesser sac and pocket for tail of pancreas

Question 6

Clinical Connection: Mononucleosis

Answer 6

Symptoms:
-Fever, sore throat, fatigue, enlarged lymph nodes in neck
-Most common in adolescents and young adults
-In ~1/2 of people diagnosed with mono, spleen becomes enlarged
-To prevent splenic rupture (which can lead to hemorrhaging) doctors recommend avoiding contact sports or heavy lifting for a few weeks

Question 7

The Kidneys

Answer 7

-Retroperitoneal
-Kidney-bean shaped
Position: posterior abdominal wall
*right kidney sits lower than left
-T12-L3 (left)/L4 (right)

Question 8

The Kidneys Functions (7)

Answer 8

1. Urine production
2. Regulation of blood ionic composition
3. Regulation of blood pH
4. Regulation of blood volume and pressure
5. Production of hormones
6. Regulation of blood glucose
7. Excretion of wastes and foreign substances

Question 9

Protective Coverings of the Kidney

Answer 9

1. Perirenal fat (inner)
2. Renal capsule
3. Renal fascia
4. Pararenal fat (outer)

Question 10

Blood Supply and Venous Drainage to the Kidneys

Answer 10

Abdominal aorta -> renal artery

Renal veins -> IVC

Question 11

Vasculature Relationships

Answer 11

Right renal artery= longer than left
Left renal vein= longer than right

*left renal vein travels beneath SMA

Question 12

Hilum of the Kidney

Answer 12

-Concave part of the kidney
-Sits medially
-Contains: renal artery, renal vein, ureter

Question 13

2 Main Components of the Kidney

Answer 13

1. Cortex
   -Outer component
   -Main filtering area
2. Medulla
   -Many columns and tubes
   -Beginning of urine production

Question 14

Pathway of Urine (6)

Answer 14

1) Renal pyramid
2) Renal papilla
3) Minor calyx
4) Major calyx
5) Renal pelvis
6) Ureter

Question 15

Adrenal Glands

Answer 15

-Also known as suprarenal glands
-Endocrine organs (produce hormones)
-Function: produce adrenaline, cortisol, aldosterone
-Sit directly superior to kidneys
-Retroperitoneal organs

Question 16

Venous Drainage of Adrenal Glands

Answer 16

Right suprarenal vein: drains directly into IVC on right hand side *direct drainage

Left suprarenal vein: drains into left renal vein and then into IVC *indirect drainage

*asymmetrical drainage

Question 17

Clinical Connection: Horseshoe Kidney

Answer 17

-Occurs during embryological development
-2 poles of the kidney that merge together
-Right and left kidneys are attached centrally
-Not life-threatening, very rare

The kidneys are positioned very inferiorly at the beginning of embryological development, and then ascend to their normal position on the posterior abdominal wall