L6 Posterior Abdominal Wall & Kidney

Question 1

Which structures enter the kidney at the hilum?

Answer 1

Renal v.

Renal a.

Ureter

Lymphatics & nerve plexuses also. Hilum is continuous with the renal sinus which contains the renal pelvis.

Question 2

Which structures contact the anterior surface of the right kidney?

Answer 2

• right adrenal
• liver
• duodenum (descending)
• right colic flexure
• small intraperitoneal part of small intestines​

Question 3

Which structures contact the anterior surface of the left kidney?

Answer 3

• left adrenal gland
• intraperitoneal part of stomach
• intraperitoneal part of spleen
• retroperitoneal pancreas
• left colic flexure
• descending colon
• intraperitoneal coils of jejunum​

Question 4

Which structures contact the posterior surface of BOTH kidneys?

Answer 4

diaphragm (superiorly)

psoas major

quadratus lumborum

transversus abdominis (inferiorly)

also: subcostal nerves, vessels, iliohypogastric & ilioinguinal nerves

Question 5

Define: renal column

Answer 5

Extensions of renal cortex

Question 6

Define a major calyx

Answer 6

Union of several minor calyces.

(2-3 major calyces = renal pelvis/the beginning of the ureter)

Question 7

Describe the blood supply to the kidneys.

Answer 7

• Each has its own renal a.
• 5 segmental arteries for each
• NO COLLATERAL CIRCULATION BETWEEN SEGMENTS (occlusion = necrosis)

Question 8

Describe the renal veins’ tributaries.

Answer 8

right renal vein HAS NO TRIBUTARIES!

left renal vein: left gonadal v. & suprarenal v.

renal tributaries may be compressed/entrapped by the mesenteric artery