case 6 anatomy Flashcards
kidneys function
The kidneys are responsible for the production of urine and excretion of metabolic waste products. They play a major role in the maintenance of water balance and in the control of blood pressure. They are also involved in electrolyte and acid-base balance and in the production of hormones (erythropoietin and calcitriol).
They kidneys are reddish-brown, bean shaped organs that are approximately 10cm long, 5cm wide and 2.5cm thick.
what peroneal covering do the kidneys have
primary retroperitoneal
what level do the kidneys lie
The kidneys lie on each side of the vertebral column at the level of T12 -L3 vertebrae
the right kidney is inferior to the left
relations of the kidneys
THe diaphragm seperates the kidneys from the pleural cavity and the twelfth ribs. The 2nd part of the duodenum sits infront of the right kidney. The liver sits infront of the right kidney. The superrenal gland sits on top. the colon is infront of the bottom of the kidneys. The stomach spleen pancreas and jejunum is infront of the left kidney. The kidneys are crossed posteriorly by the subcostal, ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves. The three muscles that lie posterior to the kidneys are the quadratus lumborum, iliopsoas (psoas major) and transversus abdominis.
coverings of the kidneys
The kidneys are protected, supported and held in position by 4 covering layers; capsule, perirenal fat, renal fascia and pararenal fat. Despite being held in place by these layers the kidney is a fairly mobile structure. Movement occurs during respiration and when moving from a supine to an erect position. The kidney may descend up to 3cm on inspiration.
Capsule
A fibrous covering that is adhered to the outer surface of the kidney.
perirenal (perinephric) fat
A fatty layer that surrounds the kidney and extends into the renal sinus
renal fascia
A fibrous connective tissue layer that surrounds the kidney and suprarenal gland.
pararenal (paranephric) fat
The region of retroperitoneal fat that surrounds the posterior aspect of the kidney.
external structure of the kidney
When viewed externally the kidney presents superior & inferior poles, anterior & posterior surfaces and lateral and medial borders. A vertical crevice, the hilum, is present on the medial border. The renal vessels and ureter can be seen entering/exiting the kidney at the hilum. order enter hilum from front to back-vein artery ureter. The hilum extends into the renal sinus. The sinus contains vessels, nerves, fat and the structures that collect and drain the urine.
renal pelvis
The expanded superior end of the ureter
Minor calyx
two to three of these structures drain into each major calyx.
major calyx
Two to three of these structures drain into the renal pelvis.
renal papilla
The apex of the renal pyramid which projects into the minor calyx.
internal structure of the kidney
renal sinus-fat which the structures in the hilum sit on. capsule around the outside. cortex the outer layer. Medulla and medullary pyramids. Renal column in between - renal papilla-minor-major calix-renal pelvis-ureter.
what level do renal arteries aries from the aorta
below the SMA. between L1 and 2