Kidneys and Urinary Systems Flashcards
Shape and colour of kidneys
They are bilateral bean-shaped organs, reddish-brown in colour
Anatomical position of the kidneys
At the posterior end of the abdomen from T12 to L3
The left kidney is often situated slightly lower due to the presence of the liver. True or false?
False
Dimension of the kidney
12cm x 6cm x 4cm (L, W,T)
Kidneys function
- Filter and excrete waste products from the blood.
- Water and electrolyte balance in the body.
Layers of fat that enclose the kidneys
Pararenal fat/Renal capsule
Perirenal fat
Renal fascia (also known as Gerota’s fascia or perirenal fascia)
Surfaces of the kidney
Anterior
Posterior
Which surface of the kidney has peritoneum?
Anterior
On which border of the kidney do we have the hilum?
Medial
Poles of the kidney
Superior
Inferior
Which pole is thicker, broader and more rounded?
Superior
Which pole is closer to the median line?
Superior
The renal parenchyma can be divided into…
…two main areas – the outer cortex and inner medulla
Compartments of the kidney
Cortex
Medulla
Renal pelvis
The cortex and its function
It is the outer part between the capsule and medulla.
Function - Ultra filtration
Contents of renal cortex
Bowman’s corpuscles
Renal tubules except for loop of Henle
Which part of the renal tubules is not in the cortex?
Loop of Henle
The medulla is divided into pyramids called…
…renal pyramids
The apex of a renal pyramid is called…
…a renal papilla.
Function of the minor calyx
Collects urine from the pyramids.
The spaces between the renal pyramids are called…
…the renal column of Bertin
The major calyx is…
…a combination of 2 to 3 minor calyces that unite near the hilum to form the pelvis
What is the shape of the renal pelvis?
Funnel
Function of the renal hilum
It acts as a gateway to the kidney – normally the renal vessels and ureter enter/exit the kidney via this structure.