Renal Anatomy and general function

Question 1

What are the roles of the kidney

Answer 1

• Helps to regulate blood in ion composition
• Helps to regulate blood pH
• Regulate blood volume
• Helps regulate BP (RAAS)
• Maintain blood osmolarity
• Produce hormones (Renin, Vit D, EPO)
• Gluconeogenesis
• Excrete waste and foreign substances

Question 2

Where are the kidneys located

Answer 2

Retroperitoneal space between the last thoracic and 3rd Lumbar vertebrae, partially protected by 11th and 12th rib

-R is lower than the L

Question 3

From external to internal what are the 3 external layers of the kidney and their composition

Answer 3

1. Renal fascia = dense connective tissue that anchors kidneys and adrenals to the retroperitoneal wall
2. Adipose capsule (aka renal fat pad)= fatty tissue that protects and holds kidneys and adrenals in place in the cavity
3. Renal capsule= only surrounds kidneys (not adrenals) smooth and transparent connective tissue, that is continuous w/ ureters, helps maintain the shape of the kidney

Question 4

Describe the renal cortex

Answer 4

largest part of the kidney that contains all the glomeruli and convoluted tubules of the nephrons

Question 5

What part of the kidney contains all the renal pyramids, the loops of Henle and the collection ducts

Answer 5

Medulla

Question 6

Describe the renal pyramid

Answer 6

one portion of the medulla

Question 7

What is the name for the narrow apex of the pyramid

Answer 7

Papilla

Question 8

Describe the renal columns

Answer 8

part of the renal cortex that fills the space between the renal pyramids

Question 9

Describe what a renal lobe is

Answer 9

a functional region of the kidney that consist of a renal pyramid, the overlying cortex, and 1/2 of each adjacent columns

Question 10

What is the name for the small chambers that collect urine directly from the papilla

Answer 10

Minor calyx

Question 11

What structure of the kidney connects the papilla to the minor calyx

Answer 11

papillary duct

Question 12

Describe the major calyx of the kidney

Answer 12

large chambers that collect urine from the multiple minor calyx

Question 13

What is the large chamber that the major calyces drain into

Answer 13

renal pelvis

Question 14

Describe renal sinuses

Answer 14

the space between the other structures of the kidney that houses some adipose tissue, blood vessels and nerves

Question 15

What is the indentation of the kidney where blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nerves supply the kidneys and the ureter emerges

Answer 15

Renal hilum