Renal Anatomy & Histology Flashcards
Kidneys are considered retroperitoneal. What does this mean
They lie behind the peritoneal membrane that separates them from the internal abdominal organs
What level do the kidneys sit at
About T12 - L3
Which kidney is lower
The R
Define the renal hilum
This is the entrance to the renal sinus which contains the blood vessels, renal pelvis, and nerves
The left kidney hilum is located where
At transpyloric plane (T12)
The transpyloric plane runs through what on the right kidney
The superior pole of the R kidney
Define the anatomical position of each ureter
5 cm from the spinal column and intersects with transverse processes of lumbar spine
What is the purpose of the renal fascia
Sends collagen bundles throughout paranephric fat to hold kidney in place
Superiorly, what is the renal fascia continuous with
The inferior fascia of the diaphragm
Which N.’s pass diagonally across the posterior surface of the kidneys
Subcostal N.
Iliohypogastric N.
Iliolingual N.
What separates the R kidney from the liver
Hepatorenal recess
What is the order, anterior to posterior of the vessels in the renal hilum
Renal V. To Renal A. To Renal Pelvis
Define the renal capsule
Denser irregular CT on the surface of the kidney with an inner layer of myofibroblasts
Define the renal cortex
Outer portion containing renal corpuscles
Define the renal medulla
Collection of renal pyramids and columns
Define renal columns
Tissue lying between pyramids running from cortex to the calyx
Define renal lobes
Single pyramids plus the surrounding adjacent cortex
Define renal papillae
Projections of medullary pyramids apices into calyxes
The ureters have three constriction points what are they
At the renal pelvis
At the pelvic inlet
Passing into the urinary bladder
What is the major attachment of the adrenal glands
The diaphragm
What does the R suprarenal gland connect with
The IVC (ant/medially) The liver (ant/laterally) The diaphragm (superiorly)
Where do the veins and lymph enter into the suprarenal gland
The hilum
What is the major A. That supplies the ureters
The renal branches
What are the two parts of the suprarenal gland
- Suprarenal cortex
2. Medulla
Describe the suprarenal cortex
Arises from mesoderm
Secretes corticosteroids and androgens
Causes kidney to retain Na and H2O
Describe the suprarenal medulla
Mass of nervous tissue derived from NC cells
Does the whole NE thing
Where do the renal artery branch into segmental A.’s
At the hilum
What does the segmental A. Supply
Whole branches of the kidney
Where does the interlobar A. Pass between
Lobes of the kidney
Where does the arcuate A. Run
Over top of the renal pyramid
Where does the cortical radiate A enter
The cortex
Where does the Renal A. Arise from
L1/L2
Where does the venous drainage of the ureters drain into
Drains into the gonadal V.’s
Which sympathetic N.’s synapse at the aorticorenal ganglia and then into the kidneys
Lesser splanchnic N. (T10/11)
Least splanchnic N. (T12)
Lumbar splanchnic N. (L1/2)
What is the parasympathetic innervation of the kidneys
The Vagus N.
What is the urine forming unit of the kidney and what does it consist of
The nephron which consists of renal corpuscle and renal tubules