Kidneys

Question 1

What is the function of the kidney?

Answer 1

Filter and excrete waste products of the body from blood. Creates water and electrolyte balance.

Question 2

Where are the kidneys positioned?

Answer 2

They lie retroperitoneally, either side of the vertebral column from T12 to L3.

Question 3

What are the layers of fascia/fat of the kidney?

Answer 3

Renal capsule - surrounds kidney.
Perirenal fat - collection of fat around capsule.
Renal fascia - encloses kidney and suprarenal glands.
Pararenal fat - posterolateral to the kidney.

Question 4

What is the passage of urine in the kidneys?

Answer 4

Renal pyramids -> renal papilla -> minor calyx -> major calyx -> renal pelvis -> ureter -> bladder.

Question 5

What is the arterial supply of the kidneys?

Answer 5

Kidneys are supplied with blood via the renal arteries, which arise from the abdominal aorta.

Question 6

What are the divisions of arteries within the kidney?

Answer 6

Renal artery enters hilum, where it divides into segmental branches. Segmental branches form interlobular arteries, that further divide to arcuate arteries.

Afferent arteriolar form at cortex, forming the glomerulus, where filtration takes place.

Question 7

What is the venous drainage of the kidneys?

Answer 7

By the right and left renal veins, which empty into the inferior vena cava.