Lecture 8: Renal Anatomy Flashcards
Kidney location
paired organs in the posterior
Located in the posterior region of the abdominal cavity
11/12th rib (2)
- upper part of kidneys are partially protected by the 11th and 12th ribs
- 12th rib overlies the parietal pleura medially and the kidney laterally
- distal tip of left 12th rib can be displaced into retroperitoneum when fractured and lacerate the kidney
Costovertebral Angle (3)
- Angle between the lower boarder of the 12th rib and lateral border of erect spinae or sacrospinalis
- overlies the lower part of kidney
- CVA tenderness can indicate the renal pathology
Renal Capsule (1)
- surrounds kidneys
renal fascia (2)
- double layer surrounds fat and capsule
2. fibrous tissue connecting the kidney to the posterior abdominal wall
Hilum
- medical indentation where renal BVs, nerves, lymph vessles and ureter enter and exit the kidney
Cortex (2)
- outer layer of the kidney
2. contains glomeruli, most of the proximal tubules, some segments of distal tubule
Medulla
- Forms inner part of kidney
2. consists of regions called pyramids
renal pyramids
site of urine formation
columns
extend between renal pyramid (medullary extension of cortex)
- provides structure and anchoring
- consists of blood vessles
Renal papilla
urine leaves the renal pyramids through the renal papilla
Minor/Major calyces
Apexes of pyramids project into minor calyces and unite to form major calyces
Renal pelvis
major calyces join to form renal pelvis which connects with the proximal end of the ureter
Nephron
- functional unit of the kidney
a. glomerulus
b. renal tubule
Blood flow through kidney
- blood enters renal artery -> afferent arterioles
blood vessles of kidney
- glomerular capillaries feed into the efferent arterioles which conveys blood to the peritubular capillaries
- surround the proximal and distal tubules and the loop of henle
- site of reabsorption and secretion
Renal pain
felt in the loin, frequency radiates downward and forward into groin
pain results from stretching of the renal capsule or because of spasm of smooth muscle in renal pelvis
referred kidney pain:
obstruction of renal pelvis of proximal ureter
- renal colic, described as moderate to severe pain often originated in the posterior hypochondrium (flank) and radiated to the groin
refered kidney pain:
obstruction in the miduereter
colic that radiated to the lateral flank or lower abdomen
Referred Kidney Pain: obstruction of the lower ureter or ureterovesical junction
- lower UT symptoms
- urgency, frequent voiding, urge incontince - pain can be severe and incapacitating
- may be accompanies by nausea and vomiting
