retroperitoneal organs - posterior abdominal wall Flashcards
what is the retroperitoneal space?
- space within the abdominopelvic cavity
- space is posterior to the parietal peritoneum
where do primary organs and structures develop?
retroperitoneally
where do secondary organs and structures develop?
intraperitoneally then become retroperitoneal
what organs and structures are retroperitoneal?
- pancreas
- oesophagus
- aorta & IVC
- rectum
- duodenum
- ureter
- colon
- kidneys
- suprarenal (adrenal) glands
PEAR DUCKS
what does the urinary system do?
produces and excretes urine
what is the order of the urinary system?
- kidneys
- ureter
- bladder
- urethra
where are the kidneys located?
on the posterior abdominal wall from T12-L3
what are the function of the kidneys?
- regulating blood: ionic composition, pH, volume and pressure
- hormone production
- excretion of waste
how much cardiac output do the kidneys receive?
20%
what are the 2 regions of the kidney?
- cortex: glomerulus
- medulla: collecting ducts
how does the function relate to the structure of the kidneys?
- blood is filtered at the glomerulus
- selective absorption of ions and water occurs
- urine is passed into the ureters
what methods do you use for renal imaging?
- contrast radiography
- CT
- MRI
all due to soft tissues
what are the general causes of renal pain?
- stretching capsule, due to increased internal pressure
- spasm of smooth muscle of the renal replvis
where is renal pain generally referred to?
cutaneous area of T12 which is the territory of the subcostal nerve
what happens with a renal transplant?
- implanted kidney is inserted into iliac fossa
- accessed via an incision over and parallel to the inguinal ligament
- vessels are then anastomosed
- a ureterocystostomy is then done straight into bladder
where are the renal artery and vein anastomosed in a kidney transplant?
- renal artery to external iliac artery
- renal vein to external iliac vein
what are the most common kidney malformations?
- bilateral/unilateral renal angenesis
- supernumerary kidneys
- renal fusion
- ectopic kidney
- simply/polycystic kidney
what is the shape of the right adrenal gland?
pyramidal
what is the shape of the left adrenal gland?
semilunar
where are the adrenal glands located?
above the kidneys (supra)
what do the 2 regions of the adrenal glands secrete?
- cortex: corticosteroids, sex hormones
- medulla: adrenaline
what are the neuromuscular supplies of the adrenal glands?
- superior, middle and inferior suprarenal arteries
- suprarenal veins
- abdominopelvic nerve (greater, less and least splanchnic)
why do the adrenal glands have an extensive blood supply?
it is an endocrine gland
what is the ureter?
a muscular tube to conver urine to the bladder
how do kidney stones form in the ureter?
calculi become lodged in the ureter preventing urine flow
what are the 3 most narrow points of the ureter?
- pelviureteric junction
- crossing iliac vessels/pelvic brim
- enteric bladder
what imaging is used for kidney stones?
- plain film radiographs
- CT urography
what is renal colic?
- pain caused by peristaltic movement of ureters trying to move the kidney stone
- generally felt in waves but can be felt on skin
what is the standard treatment for kidney stones?
shock wave lithotripsy
what is the bladder?
a distensible muscle sac which acts as a reservoir for urine
what is the urethra?
a muscular dict which conveys urine from the bladder to the external environment and serves a reproductive purpose in males
what are the approximate lengths of the urethras in males and females?
- male: around 25cm
- female: around 4cm
