Location And Anatomical Relationships

Question 1

Where do the two kidneys lie?

Answer 1

Retroperitoneally (behind the peritoneum) on the posterior body wall

Question 2

What level do the kidneys sit in the body?

Answer 2

At the level of T12 to L3 vertebrae

Question 3

What are the kidneys partially protected by?

Answer 3

Ribs 11 and 12

Question 4

What kidney usually lies lower?

Answer 4

The right kidney due to the large right lobe of the liver

Question 5

What are the kidney related inferiorly to?

Answer 5

To the diaphragm which also acts to separate them from the pleural cavities and 12th ribs

Question 6

What else is the kidney related to?

Answer 6

The abdominal visceral, suprarenal, and adrenal glands superiorly

Question 7

What is the right kidney related to?

Answer 7

Liver, duodenum and ascending colon anteriorly

Question 8

What is the left kidney related to?

Answer 8

Stomach, spleen, pancreas, jejunum and descending colon

Question 9

What is located on the superior aspect of each kidney?

Answer 9

The adrenal glands

Question 10

What are adrenal glands also known as?

Answer 10

Suprarenal glands

Question 11

What is the function of adrenal glands?

Answer 11

Production of the body’s chemical messengers including adrenaline and steroid hormones

Question 12

What hormones are secreted from the adrenal cortex?

Answer 12

Cortisol - glucocorticoid, aldosterone - mineralcorticoid and sex hormones - gonadocorticoids

Question 13

What hormones are secreted from the adrenal medulla?

Answer 13

Adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine)