S1) Anatomy of the Urinary System Flashcards
In terms of anatomical relationships, explain why the left kidney is higher than the right kidney?
- The liver (above the right kidney) is larger than the spleen (above the left kidney)
- Hence, the left kidney is higher because the liver pushes the right kidney down
At approximately what vertebral level would you expect to find the right and left kidneys respectively?
- Left kidney (T11 - L2)
- Right kidney (T12 - L3)
Identify the anatomical relations of the right kidney
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/221/705/931/q_image_thumb.jpg?1507197790)
4 – Adrenal glands
6 – Duodenum
2 – Hepatic area
7 – Right colon areas
3 – Inferior vena cava
8 – Abdominal aorta
Identify the anatomical relations of the left kidney
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/221/706/027/q_image_thumb.jpg?1507198038)
4 – Adrenal glands
9 – Small bowel
5 – Spleen
10 – Pancreas
7 – Left colon areas
1 – Stomach
11 – Left renal vein
Identify the complex layers of fascia and fat surrounding the kidney (deep to superficial)
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/221/706/109/a_image_thumb.jpg?1512141132)
Describe the structure of the following:
- Renal capsule
- Renal fascia
- Renal capsule: tough fibrous capsule
- Renal fascia: encloses the kidneys and the suprarenal glands
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/221/706/244/a_image_thumb.jpg?1507198449)
Describe the structure of the following:
- Perirenal fat
- Pararenal fat
- Perirenal fat: collection of extraperitoneal fat
- Pararenal fat: mainly located on the posterolateral aspect of kidney
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/221/706/266/a_image_thumb.jpg?1507198517)
The renal parenchyma can be divided into two main areas.
Identify these
- Outer cortex
- Inner medulla
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/221/706/305/a_image_thumb.jpg?1507198673)
What are renal pyramids and how are they formed?
The outer renal cortex extends into the inner renal medulla, dividing the kidney into triangular shapes known as the renal pyramids
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/221/706/379/a_image_thumb.png?1507198774)
What is the apex of a renal pyramid called?
A renal papilla
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/221/706/453/a_image_thumb.png?1507198826)
What is a minor calyx and what does it do?
A minor calyx is a structure that is associated with a renal papilla and collects urine from the pyramids
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/221/706/488/a_image_thumb.png?1507198904)
How is a major calyx formed?
Several minor calices merge to form a major calyx
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/221/706/528/a_image_thumb.png?1507198944)
Explain the role of the renal pelvis in the kidney
- Urine passes through the major calices into the renal pelvis, a flattened and funnel-shaped structure
- From the renal pelvis, urine drains into the ureter, which transports it to the bladder for storage
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/221/706/680/a_image_thumb.png?1507199002)
What is the renal hilum and what does it do?
- A renal hilum is a deep fissure which marks the medial margin of each kidney
- Renal vessels and ureter enter/exit the kidney through this structure
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/221/706/727/a_image_thumb.jpg?1507199238)
Describe the arterial supply of the kidneys
- Receive blood from renal arteries
- Left and right renal arteries arise from the abdominal aorta
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/221/706/768/a_image_thumb.png?1507204112)