Kidney anatomy

Question 1

What is anterior and posterior to left and right kidneys?

Answer 1

Right Kidney

Anterior: Suprarenal gland, Liver, 2° Duodenum, Hepatic flexure of colon

Posterior: Diaphragm, Psoas, Quadratus Lumborum, Transversus Adbominis, Rib 12, Subcostal Nerve

Left Kidney

Anterior: Suprarenal gland, Spleen, Stomach, Pancreas, Jejunum, Splenic flexure of colon

Posterior: Diaphragm, Psoas, Quadratus Lumborum, Transversus Adbominis, Ribs 11 & 12, Subcostal Nerve

Question 2

nerve supply to kidneys

Answer 2

Nerve: Renal plexus:
• Sympathetic = Complicated
• Parasympathetic = Vagus n. [CNX]
• Referred pain described as “Flank” pain

Question 3

Path of ureters

Answer 3

Exit Kidneys @L1
• Extend vertically down from hilus on surface of Psoas muscle
• Roughly in-line with transverse processes of lumbar spine (Think radiology)
• Crosses Bifurcation of Common Iliac Artery • (@ Anterior Sacro-iliac Joint)
• Passes on lateral wall of Pelvis (Ilium) towards the Ischial Spine
• Enters Bladder on inferior surface at the Trigone

Question 4

3 constrictions of pelvis

Answer 4

3 Constrictions:
• Junction of the Ureters and the renal pelvis – Pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ)
• Where ureters cross the pelvic brim
• As they enter the wall of the bladder