Anatomy of the Urinary System Flashcards
What is kidneys relationship with the peritoneum?
Retroperitoneal organs, peritoneum on anterior surface only
Where are the kidneys located?
T12-L3
What protects the tops of the kidney?
11th and 12th ribs
Where is the bladder located?
Behind pubic bone in adults (above in children)
Distends upwards when full
Where is the prostate located?
Below bladder, urethra passes through it
What is posterior to the kidneys?
Diaphragm
Psoas major
Quadratus lumborum
Transversus abdominis
What is anterior to the right kidney?
Liver and descending duodenum
What is anterior to the left kidney?
Spleen, pancreas and stomach
What layers cover kidney (deep to superficial)?
Fibrous capsule
Peri-renal fat
Renal fascia
Para-renal fat (posterolateral)
Describe the internal structures of the kidney (outside to in):
Cortex -> Medulla -> Papilla -> Minor calyx -> Major calyx -> Renal pelvis -> Ureter
Where do the renal arteries arise from and at what level?
Abdominal aorta at L1/2
What is above the renal arteries and why is this important clinically?
Superior mesenteric artery, if there is an aneurysm, may stop renal blood flow
What is the path of blood supply in the kidneys?
Renal -> Segmental -> Interlobar -> Arcuate -> Interlobular -> Afferent arteriole -> Glomerulus -> Efferent arteriole
Which renal artery is longer and what is its position compared to the IVC?
Right, posterior to IVC
Which renal vein is longer and what is its position compared to the aorta?
Left, anterior to aorta
Describe the path of the ureters:
Arise from medial aspect of kidney and descend along transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae, anterior to psoas major.
Cross pelvic brim (ovarian artery anterior) at bifurcation of iliac arteries, under uterine artery/vas deferens and enter bladder obliquely on posterior side
Why is it important that the ureters enter the bladder obliquely?
Stops reflux when bladder fills, as this puts pressure on ureters
Where are stones likely to cause blockage in ureter?
Uretero-pelvic junction
At pelvic brim
Uretero-vesical junction
What muscle makes up the bladder?
Detrusor muscle
What are the regions of the bladder (top to bottom)?
Apex (connected to umbilicus by median umbilical ligament)
Body
Fundus (trigone here)
Neck
What is the trigone?
Smooth triangular area where ureters enter and urethral orifice is
What are the four sections of the male urethra?
Pre-prostatic
Prostatic
Membranous
Spongy
Why are women more at risk of UTI?
Their urethra is much shorter (4cm)
What is the bladder’s blood supply?
Superior vesical artery and inferior vesical/vaginal artery
What is the ureter’s blood supply?
Renal, ovarian, superior vesical and inferior vesical arteries
What dermatomes are ureteric pain felt in?
T11-L2
