Outline The Gross Structure Of The Kidney

Question 1

What is the kidney anatomical position?

Answer 1

• lie on the posterior abdominal wall
• one on each side of the vertebral column. Below the diaphragm and behind the peritoneum
• they are retroperitoneal
• extend from the level of the 12th thoracic vertebra to the 3rd lumbar vertebra
• receiving some protection from the lower rib cage
• the right kidney is slightly lower than the left
• embedded in and held in position by, a mass of fat.
• a sheath of fibrous connective tissue, the renal fascia, encloses the kidney and the renal fat

Question 2

Describe the structures in the kidney

Answer 2

Capsule surrounds the kidney
Cortex surrounds the pyramids
Pyramids contain nephrons that form urea / urine
Pyramids connect to renal papilla
Renal papilla go to the minor calyces
Minor calyces to major calyces
Major calyces use peristalsis to push urine to renal pelvis
Renal pelvis connects to the ureter
Ureter transports Urine to kidneys