Imaging Flashcards
what surrounds the kidneys?
the fibrous renal capsule
what is the outer third of the kidneys called?
the cortex
what is the inner 2/3 of the kidneys called?
the medulla
what is the functional unit of the kidney?
the nephron
where do the kidneys lie?
the paravertebral gutters of the posterior abdominal wall
why is the left kidney usually found higher than the right?
due to the presence of the liver superiorly to the right kidney
what 5 things are found at the renal hilum?
renal pelvis renal artery renal vein lymphatics nerves
what is the most posterior part of the hilum?
renal pelvis
what is the most anterior part of the hilum?
renal vein
why is the left renal vein longer than the right?
has to pass across the aorta to join the IVC
what are the four phases of a renal CT?
pre contrast
corticomedullary
nephrographic
excretory
when is the pre contrast phase of a renal CT?
before contrast administered
what is the pre contrast phase of a renal CT good for seeing?
calculi
what does the corticomedullary phase of a renal CT show?
cortical enhancement
when does the corticomedullary phase of a renal CT happen?
25-70 seconds after injection of contrast
when does the nephrographic phase of a renal CT occur?
80-180 seconds after contrast injected
what is enhanced in the nephrographic phase of a renal CT?
medulla and cortex equally
when does the excretory phase of a renal CT occur?
5-15 minutes after IV injection of contrast
what is seen in the excretory phase of a renal CT?
opacification of the renal collecting system and ureters
what are the three spaces around the kidney in the retroperitoneum?
anterior pararenal
perirenal
posterior pararenal
what encloses the perirenal space?
the renal fascia
what divides the spaces in the retroperitoneum?
the renal fascia
what are the two parts of the renal fascia?
anterior renal fascia
posterior renal fascia
what is another name for the anterior renal fascia?
gerota’s fascia
what is another name for the posterior renal fascia?
zuckerkandl’s fascia
