Anatomy Flashcards
What are the four component parts of the urinary system?
Kidneys
Ureters
Bladder
Urethra
What are the vertebral levels of the kidneys?
T12-L3
Where do the kidneys lie?
In the paravertebral gutters on the posterior abdominal wall
At what plane does the hilum of the kidney lie?
Transpyloric plane
At what vertebral level does the transpyloric plane lie?
L1
Which kidney lies lower and why?
Right kidney- due to presence of liver
What are the four layers that cover the kidneys?
Fibrous renal capsule
Fatty renal capsule
Renal fascia- fibrofatty tissue
Pararenal fatty tissue- mainly on posterior aspects of kidneys
What is the advantage of having fat around the kidneys?
The fatty capsules offer the kidneys protection
How is the urinary system peritonised?
All retroperitoneal
What is the cause of a horseshoe kidney?
The inferior poles fused
What is the cause of a double ureter?
Duplication of the ureteric bud from mesonephric duct
What is the isthmus of a horseshoe kidney made of?
Fibrous tissue
At what vertebral level are the paired renal arteries given off from the abdominal aorta?
L1 or L2
What happens to the renal arteries at the hilum of the kidney?
They branch off into smaller arteries
What muscle does the ureter lie on as it descends?
Psoas major
