Introduction, gross anatomy and histology Flashcards
What structures make up the urinary system?
o Kidneys
o Ureters
o Urinary bladder
o Urethra
What are the functions of the urinary system?
- Removes metabolic waste from blood by filtration and excretion
- Regulates blood pressure (by renin-angiotensin mechanism)
- Regulates plasma concentrations of electrolytes (sodium, potassium and chloride etc.)
- Help to stabilize the pH
- Conserves valuable nutrients
- Reabsorption of small molecules (amino acids, glucose and peptides)
- Kidney produces erythropoietin (a stimulant of RBC production by bone marrow)
Where are the kidneys found?
- The kidneys lie in a retroperitoneal position at the level of T12-L3.
- Right kidney is slightly lower than the left kidney due to the liver
At what vertebral levels are the kidneys found?
T12-L3
How many pyramids are in each kidney?
10-18
Define a renal lobe
Renal lobe - portion of a kidney consisting of a renal pyramid and the renal cortex above it
List the contents of the hilum of the kidney and their locations
Vein artery pelvis - from anterior to posterior
Describe the arterial supply of the kidneys
Renal artery (1/each side): branch of abdominal aorta.
o Segmental branches (x5)
o Interlobar
o Arcuate branches pass around the circumference
o Interlobular branches and ultimately supply each nephron
o Essentially non-anastomosing
Describe the venous drainage of the kidneys
Renal veins (1/each side): drains into the inferior vena cava
Describe the lymphatic drainage of the kidneys
Lateral aortic lymph nodes
Describe the nerve supply of the kidneys
Renal plexus:
- sympathetic: T10-L1
- Sensory afferent: T11-L2
Describe the arterial supply of the ureters
renal artery
ovarian/testicular artery
abdominal aorta
Describe the venous drainage of the ureters
renal veins
ovarian/testicular veins
What is the median umbilical ligament a remnant of?
embryonic urachus
Where are the two medial umbilical folds found?
Two medial umbilical folds – on the occluded umbilical artery of bladder
Where are the two lateral umbilical folds found?
Two lateral umbilical folds – on the inferior epigastric vessels
What is the peritoneal fold found between the uterus and rectum called?
Pouch of Douglas
What is the clinical relevance of the pouch of douglas?
Pouch of Douglas is a peritoneal fold between the uterus and the rectum, and is a common site for the spread of pathology such as ascites, tumour, endometriosis, pus, etc.
Describe the arterial supply of the bladder
Branches of the internal iliac arteries
Describe the venous drainage of the bladder
Tributaries of the internal iliac veins
Describe the lymphatic drainage of the bladder
– External iliac: suprapubic part
– Internal iliac: Infrapubic part
Which sphincters of the urethra are voluntary or involuntary?
Internal sphincter - involuntary
External sphincter - voluntary
What makes up a nephron?
Nephron = renal corpuscles + renal tubules
What makes up a renal corpuscle?
Renal corpuscles = glomerulus + bowman’s capsule
