Kidney

Question 1

What is the overall function of the kidney?

Answer 1

To remove water, salts, and products of protein metabolism from the blood

Question 2

What shape is the kidney?

Answer 2

Bean-shaped

Question 3

Is the kidney intra- or retroperitoneal?

Answer 3

Retroperitoneal

Question 4

The kidney extends from what vertebrae levels?

Answer 4

T12-L3

Question 5

Which kidney lies slightly lower than the other?

Answer 5

Right kidney

Question 6

Why does the right kidney lie slightly lower than the left kidney?

Answer 6

Due to the large size of the right lobe of the liver

Question 7

The kidneys lie where in reference to the psoas major muscle?

Answer 7

Anterior

Question 8

The kidneys lie where in reference to the vertebral column?

Answer 8

Lateral

Question 9

What is the space called where the kidneys lie lateral to the vertebral column?

Answer 9

Paravertebral grooves

Question 10

A strain of what muscle is commonly mistaken as kidney pain?

Answer 10

Psoas major

Question 11

What is the unique name given to the top and bottom areas of the kidneys?

Answer 11

Superior and inferior poles

Question 12

The hilum of the kidney is a fissure in what direction?

Answer 12

Vertical

Question 13

The hilum of the kidney is located on what surface?

Answer 13

Medial

Question 14

What four things does the hilum of the kidney transmit?

Answer 14

Renal vein (anteriorly), renal artery (between renal vein and ureter), ureter (posteriorly), and autonomic & sensory nerves

Question 15

What is the expanded superior end of the ureter within the hilum?

Answer 15

Renal pelvis

Question 16

What is the recess called located within the hilum that is filled with fat?

Answer 16

Renal sinus

Question 17

The structures that enter the hilum are known collectively by what term?

Answer 17

Renal pedicle

Question 18

What is the posteriormost organ at the abdominal level?

Answer 18

Kidney

Question 19

What is the outer portion of the kidney called?

Answer 19

Renal cortex

Question 20

What are the projections of the cortex into the medulla between the renal pyramids?

Answer 20

Renal columns

Question 21

What is the inner portion of the kidney?

Answer 21

Medulla

Question 22

The renal medulla includes about how many renal pyramids?

Answer 22

8-12

Question 23

What is the apex termination of the renal pyramid?

Answer 23

Renal papilla

Question 24

What are the cup shaped structures into which the renal papillae fit?

Answer 24

Minor calices

Question 25

What are the 2-3 major channels into which the minor calices empty?

Answer 25

Major calices

Question 26

Where do the major calices empty?

Answer 26

Renal pelvis

Question 27

What artery is the main arterial blood supply of the kidney?

Answer 27

Renal artery

Question 28

From where does the renal artery arise?

Answer 28

Abdominal aorta

Question 29

What are the accessory arteries of the kidney?

Answer 29

Extrahilar arteries

Question 30

From where do the extrahilar arteries arise?

Answer 30

Abdominal aorta above or below the renal artery

Question 31

What vein makes up the venous blood supply to the kidney?

Answer 31

Renal vein

Question 32

To where does the renal vein drain?

Answer 32

Inferior vena cava

Question 33

In addition to the left kidney, what else does the left renal vein drain?

Answer 33

Suprarenal gland, gonad, diaphragm, and body wall

Question 34

What structures can be compressed with Anatomical Nutcracker Compression Syndrome?

Answer 34

Left renal vein, 3rd part of the duodenum

Question 35

What two vessels are responsible for the compression in Anatomical Nutcracker?

Answer 35

Superior mesenteric artery (front) and aorta (behind)

Question 36

If the 3rd part of the duodenum is compressed with Anatomical Nutcracker, what can result?

Answer 36

Left side kidney failure and vomiting

Question 37

What are the causes of Anatomical Nutcracker Compression Syndrome?

Answer 37

Compressive abdominal trauma, Cast Syndrome (application of a body cast that is too tight), aortic aneurysm

Question 38

What is the main nerve involved in kidney innervation?

Answer 38

Least splanchnic nerve (T12)

Question 39

What is the overall innervation of the kidney?

Answer 39

Renal plexus

Question 40

The renal plexus is formed by fibers from what locations?

Answer 40

Celiac plexus, aortic plexus, direct branches from the thoracic and lumbar splanchnic nerves

Question 41

What are the functions of the fat around the kidneys?

Answer 41

Protection, insulation, support (attachment to the posterior wall)

Question 42

What are the layers covering the kidneys?

Answer 42

Renal capsule (innermost), perinephric fat, renal fascia, paranephric fat (outermost)

Question 43

What is the membranous layer of extraperitoneal tissue which splits into anterior and posterior layers to enclose the kidney?

Answer 43

Renal fascia

Question 44

What is the scientific term for kidney stones?

Answer 44

Renal calculi

Question 45

What may renal calculi be composed of?

Answer 45

Calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid crystals

Question 46

What are the risk factors for renal calculi?

Answer 46

Being male, low fluid intake/dehydration, southeastern U.S.A.

Question 47

What is the pain pathway of renal calculi?

Answer 47

Dull ache in the kidney followed by severe pain when they enter the ureter

Question 48

What happens if renal calculi become lodged in the ureter?

Answer 48

Restriction of urinary flow

Question 49

What is a possible treatment to break up renal calculi?

Answer 49

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL)

Question 50

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) doesn't work for renal calculi of what composition?

Answer 50

Uric acid crystals

Question 51

What is the nickname for nephroptosis?

Answer 51

"Floating Kidney"

Question 52

What is nephroptosis?

Answer 52

When the kidney becomes hypermobile and moves downward within the renal fascia

Question 53

Where can the kidney descend to during nephroptosis?

Answer 53

Into the pelvis

Question 54

During nephroptosis, what movement can lead to the twisting of blood vessels and the ureter?

Answer 54

The kidney turning upside down

Question 55

Nephroptosis is more common among what group of people?

Answer 55

Very thin people