Kidneys Flashcards
what colour are the kidneys, location in abdomen and type of organs?
bilateral bean-shaped organs
posterior abdomen
They are reddish-brown in colour
main function of kidneys?
to filter and excrete waste products from the blood. They are also responsible for water and electrolyte balance in the body
what do the kidneys excrete and what is formed?
Metabolic waste and excess electrolytes are excreted by the kidneys to form urine
where is urine transported from and where to?
kidneys to bladder
what does urine travel from the kidney to the bladder via?
ureters
where does the urine leave the body via?
urethra
where does the urethra open out into?
perineum
where do the kidneys lie in the abdomen?
retroperitoneally (behind the peritoneum) in the abdomen, either side of the vertebral column
where do the kidneys typically extend from to?
They typically extend from T12 to L3
which kidney is situated lower? why?
the right kidney is often situated slightly lower due to the presence of the liver
how long is each kidney approximately in length?
three vertebrae in length
why is the length of kidneys important?
can be used to gauge any changes in size when interpreting radiographs
what lies anterior to the left kidney?
suprarenal gland spleen stomach pancreas left colic flexure jejunum
what lies posterior to the left kidney?
diaphragm
11th and 12th ribs
psoas major, quadratus lumborum, transverse abdominis muscle
subcostal, iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves
what lies anterior to the right kidney?
suprarenal gland
liver
duodenum
right colic flexure
what lies posterior to the right kidney?
diaphragm
12th rib
psoas major, quadratus lumborum, transverse abdominis muscle
subcostal, iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves
what are the kidneys encased in?
complex layers of fascia and fat
what are the different layers of the kidney (deep to superficial)?
renal capsule
perirenal fat
renal fascia
pararenal fat
describe the renal capsule
tough fibrous capsule - deepest
describe the perirenal fat layer
2nd from deep
collection of extraperitoneal fat
describe renal fascia layer
2nd most superficial layer
Encloses the kidneys and the suprarenal glands
describe the location of the pararenal fat layer in relation to kidneys
most superficial layer
Mainly located on the posterolateral aspect of the kidney
what do the kidneys have in addition to their external coverings?
the kidneys have an intricate inner structure
how can the renal parenchyma be divided internally?
Internally, the renal parenchyma can be divided into two main areas – the outer cortex and inner medulla
where does the cortex extend to? what does this create? what are they known as?
The cortex extends into the medulla, dividing it into triangular shapes – these are known as renal pyramids.
what is the apex of a renal pyramid called?
a renal papilla
what is each renal papilla associated with?
a structure known as the minor calyx
what is the function of the minor calyx?
collects urine from the pyramids
what do several minor calices merge to form?
a major calyx
what passes through the major calices and where do they travel to?
Urine passes through the major calices into the renal pelvis
what is the renal pelvis like?
a flattened and funnel-shaped structure
what happens to the urine from the renal pelvis?
From the renal pelvis, urine drains into the ureter, which transports it to the bladder for storage.
what is the medial margin of each kidney marked by? what is it known as?
The medial margin of each kidney is marked by a deep fissure, known as the renal hilum
what is the function of the renal hilum?
This acts as a gateway to the kidney – the renal vessels and ureter enter/exit the kidney via this structure.
