T3 L1 Retroperitoneal organs Flashcards
Give some examples of retroperitoneal organs
Aorta
Inferior vena cava
Kidneys
Suprarenal glands
What are retroperitoneal organs?
Mesentery / peritoneum only covers the anterior surface
Give some examples of secondary retroperitoneal organs?
Pancreas
Duodenum
Ascending & descending colon
What are secondary retroperitoneal organs?
Started off as intraperitoneal organs & then got pushed back
Where are the kidneys in relation to the posterior abdominal wall muscles?
Diaphragm is superior
Psoas major is medial
Quadratus lumborum is posterior & lateral
Where is the superior pole of the left kidney?
T12
Where is the inferior pole of the left kidney?
L3
What is the right kidney slightly lower than the left kidney?
Due to the presence of the liver
What organs are close to the right kidney?
Right suprarenal gland
Liver
Right colic flexure
Duodenum
What organs are close to the left kidney?
Left suprarenal gland Stomach Spleen Pancreas Left colic flexure Jejunum
What are the 2 distinct regions in the kidney?
Cortex
Medulla
What makes up the parenchyma?
The cortex & renal pyramids
What kidney has a short renal artery & long renal vein?
Left kidney
What kidney has a long renal artery & short renal vein?
Right kidney
What factors need to be regulated in the blood?
Ionic composition pH Volume Pressure Osmolarity
What is the function of the kidneys?
Regulate the blood
Produce hormones such as calcitriol
Excretion of waste & foreign substances
What protects the kidneys from injury?
Perirenal fat
Ribs
Vertebral column
Where are the suprarenal glands?
Located over the kidneys
What is the shape of the suprarenal glands?
Pyramidal on the right
Semilunar on the left
What is the function of the suprarenal glands?
Produce corticosteroids & sex hormones for the cortex
Produce adrenaline for the medulla
What nerves supply the suprarenal glands?
Abdominopelvic nerves - greater, less & least splanchnic
What are the 3 constrictions of the ureters?
Ureteropelvic junction
Crossing iliac vessels
Entering bladder
What is the blood supply to the ureters?
Renal
Aorta
Iliac
What is the function of the urethra in males?
Reproductive
Urinary
Where does the urethra go?
Passes under pubic symphysis & crosses pelvic floor muscles to reach genitals
Where does renal pain refer to?
Cutaneous area of T12 around subcostal nerve
Why does renal pain occur?
Stretching capsule & spasms of the smooth muscle around the renal pelvis
Afferent fibres in renal plexus around renal artery follow parallel to sympathetic fibres
Describe renal colic
Peristaltic wave of ureter attempting to pass a stone
Agonising pain on skin over area supplied
Severe pain spreads to CNS & can cause nausea
Where does renal transplantation occur?
Transplanted into iliac fossa
Incision done over inguinal ligament
Vessel anastomosis of renal artery to external iliac artery & renal vein to external iliac vein
