Station 1: The Kidneys

Question 1

Where in the abdomen do the kidneys lie?

Answer 1

Paravertebral gutters

Between T12 and L3 (right kidney slightly lower than left)

Question 2

At what anatomical plane do the kidney hilums lie?

Answer 2

Transpyloric plane

Question 3

What vertebral level is the transpyloric plane?

Answer 3

L1

Question 4

What are the 4 fascial coverings of the kidney?

Answer 4

1. Fibrous renal capsule
2. Fatty renal capsule (perirenal fat)
3. Renal fascia
4. Pararenal fat

Question 5

What is the clinical significance of the fatty tissue surrounding the kidney?

Answer 5

Protection

Question 6

What muscles are associated with the kidneys?

Answer 6

Diaphragm

Psoas

Quadratus lumborum

Question 7

How is the kidney peritonised?

Answer 7

Retroperitoneal

Question 8

Answer 8

Question 9

How does the peritonisation of the kidney relate to the organs that lie on it?

Answer 9

If the organ that lies on it is peritonised that area of kidney will also be peritonised

If for we take the spleen’s area for example, the spleen is retroperitoneal therefore that part of the kidney won’t be peritonised

Question 10

What is the sympathetic supply of the kidneys?

Answer 10

Spinal nerves T12 and L1 via the coeliac plexus

Question 11

What is the lymphatic drainage of the kidneys?

Answer 11

Paraaortic lymph nodes