Kidneys Flashcards
What type of organs are the kidneys in relation to the peritoneum?
Retroperitoneal
Where are the kidneys located?
Paravertebral gutters between T12 and L3 vertebrae
What is the Paravertebral gutter?
The deep recess on either side of the vertebral column formed by the posterior sweep of the curvature of the ribs
Describe the renal blood supply and drainage
Supplies by renal arteries branched off aorta
Drained via renal veins into IVC
How do we identify the left renal vein?
A lot longer branches over the aorta
What is a horseshoe kidney a result of?
congenital disorder where renal fusion occurs forming a super-kidney remaining in lower cavity
can cause complications during renal failure as only 1 kidney as opposed to 2
What are the structures of the kidneys?
cortex medulla pyramids renal columns papilla minor calyx (calyces) major calyces renal pelvis - where urine is drained into
What causes kidney stones?
Diet Obesity Chronic infection Family history Dehydration Hypercalcaemia
Where do kidney stones often form?
Tend to form in the pelvis
What are staghorn stones?
Staghorn stone fills space of renal calyces and obstructs passage of urine
