Anatomy - Retroperitoneum (kidneys) Flashcards
What are the functions of the kidneys?
They act to filter and excrete waste products from the blood. They are also responsible for H2O and electrolyte balance.
What are the posterior relations to the kidneys?
Diaphragm, psoas major, quadratus lumborum and transversus abdominis.
What are the anterior relations to the right kidney?
Liver and duodenum, coils of intestine.
What are the anterior relations to the left kidney?
Stomach, spleen, pancreas, coils of intestine.
What is found at the renal hilum?
Renal arteries and veins, ureter, nerves and lymphatics.
Which kidney is often positioned lower in the abdomen and why?
The right kidney, this is due to the presence of the liver.
What are the renal arteries a branch of?
The abdominal aorta just below the SMA.
Which renal artery is longer?
The right renal artery, this is due to the position of the aorta being slightly to the left.
Which artery crosses the IVC posteriorly?
The right renal artery.
Describe the branching of the renal artery.
Renal artery -> interlobar artery -> arcuate artery -> interlobular artery -> afferent arteriole.
Where do the renal veins drain?
Into the IVC.
How would you describe the shape of the: a) right adrenal gland? b) left adrenal gland?
a) Tetrahedral. b) Crescent-shaped.
Which adrenal gland does the IVC lie anteriorly to?
The right adrenal gland.
What are the 3 main layers of an adrenal gland?
- An outer connective tissue capsule. 2. A cortex. 3. A medulla at the centre.
Adrenal glands: What are the 3 layers of the cortex?
- Zona glomerulus. 2. Zona fasciculata. 3. Zona reticularis.
Adrenal glands: What cells are contained within the medulla and what do they secrete?
Chromaffin cells - they secrete catecholamines e.g. adrenaline. This is a ‘fight or flight’ response.
What are the 3 arteries that supply the adrenal glands?
- Superior adrenal artery. 2. Middle adrenal artery. 3. Inferior adrenal artery.
What is the superior adrenal artery a branch of?
The inferior phrenic artery.
What is the middle adrenal artery a branch of?
The abdominal aorta.
What is the inferior adrenal artery a branch of?
The renal arteries.
What does the right adrenal vein drain into?
The IVC.
What does the left adrenal vein drain into?
The left renal vein (and then into the IVC).
What section of the spine is found in the posterior abdominal wall?
The lumbar section.
What muscle lies superficially to psoas major?
Quadratus lumborum.
What is the origin of quadratus lumborum?
Iliac crest and the iliolumbar ligament.
What is the insertion of quadratus lumborum?
The transverse processes of L1 to L4 and the 12th rib.
What is the action of quadratus lumborum?
Extension and flexion of the vertebral column.
What is the innervation of quadratus lumborum?
T12-L4 nerves.
What is the origin of psoas major?
T12-L5 vertebrae.
What is the insertion of psoas major?
The lesser trochanter of the femus.