Exam IV Flashcards
(313 cards)
The kidney functions to remove water, salts, and products of protein metabolism from the blood. It is a bean-shaped retroperitoneal organ which extends from what vertebral levels?
T12-L3
The hilum of the kidney is a vertical fissure located on the medial surface of the organ. What structures does it transmit?
- Renal vein (anteriorly)
- Renal artery (between renal vein and ureter)
- Ureter (posteriorly)
- Autonomic and sensory nerves
This is the expanded superior end of the ureter within the hilum of the kidney.
Renal pelvis
This is a recess located within the hilum of the kidney, which is filled with fat.
Renal sinus
The structures which enter the hilum are known collectively as what?
Renal pedicle
This is the outer portion of the kidney.
Renal cortex
These are projections of the cortex into the medulla between the renal pyramids.
Renal columns
This is the inner portion of the kidney.
Renal medulla
These structures within the renal medulla terminate in an apex known as the renal papilla.
Renal pyramid
These are cup shaped structures into which the renal papillae fit.
Minor Calices
These are 2 to 3 major channels into which the minor calices empty. These channels empty into the renal pelvis.
Major Calices
What is the blood supply of the kidneys?
- Renal artery (from the abdominal aorta)
- Extrahilar arteries
- Renal vein (drains to the inferior vena cava)
This term is used to describe the left renal vein and the 3rd part of the duodenum, which are compressed between the aorta behind and the superior mesenteric artery in front.
Anatomical nutcracker
What are some symptoms of the anatomical nutcracker? Causes?
Symptoms: left kidney pain and vomiting
Causes: compressive abdominal trauma, “cast syndrome”, aortic aneurysm
What is the innervation of the kidneys?
Renal plexus, formed by fibers from the:
- Celiac plexus
- Aortic plexus
- Direct branches from the thoracic and lumbar splanchnic nerves (mainly from the least splanchnic nerve
What are the layers covering the kidney?
- Renal capsule (innermost layer)
- Perinephric fat
- Renal fascia
- Paranephric fat (outermost layer)
What is the function of fat for the kidneys?
- Protection
- Hold in place
- Insulation
This is a membranous layer of extraperitoneal tissue which splits to enclose the kidney.
Renal fascia
This condition is characterized by deposits of calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, or uric acid in the ureter of a kidney. It can cause intense pain when in the ureter and may become lodged at one of three constrictions blocking flow.
Renal calculi (“kidney stones”)
What can be used to break up most kidney stones?
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
- Great for calcium phosphate
- Good for calcium oxalate
- Not at all for uric acid
This condition is characterized by the kidney becoming hypermobile and may end up in the renal fascia and turn upside down leading to a twisting of vessels and the ureter.
Nephroptosis (“floating kidney”)
This is a muscular tube which connects the kidney to the urinary bladder. It is retroperitoneal and descends on the psoas major muscle.
Ureter
What are the three constrictions of the ureter?
- Ureteropelvic junction
- Pelvic brim
- Where it enters the wall of the bladder
What is the blood supply of the ureter?
- Renal artery
- Gonadal artery
- Aorta
- Common iliac artery
- Superior vesical artery