The kidneys Flashcards
The highly vascularised kidneys lie where and under the protection of which rib?
Lie at the back of the upper abdominal cavity, under the protection of the 12th rib
Name the 3 layers that the kidney is protected by
Renal fascia, adipose and renal capsule
Describe the renal fascia layer
an outer, layer of dense fibrous connective tissue
Describe the adipose layer
fatty tissue
describe the renal capsule layer
thin shiny transparent membrane on the surface of each kidney
Name the 3 internal regions of each kidney
Outer cortex, inner medulla and renal pelvis
describe the outer cortex
light coloured granular appearance
describe the colour of the inner medulla
dark reddish brown colour
describe the tissue in the inner medulla
cone shaped tissue called the medullary or renal pyramids
what is the apex/point of each pyramid in the inner medulla known as
papilla
how many lobes does each kidney usually have
8
What is the renal pelvis
a central junction that the papilla of each lobe points towards
what is the renal pelvis continuous with
the ureter leaving the kidney
what are calyces
branching extensions of the renal pelvis
what does the calyces collect
the urine which drains constantly from the pyramids and empty into the renal pelvis
