The Urinary Tract

Question 1

What are the approximate dimensions of the kidney?

Answer 1

11 x 7 x 3 cm

Question 2

Describe the location of the 2 kidneys

Answer 2

Left kidney (L1)
Right kidney (L2, L3)

• right kidney is lower due to liver situated above (T12-L3)

Question 3

Outline the internal structures of the kidney

Answer 3

renal pyramids
minor calyces
major calyces
renal pelvis
ureters

Question 4

What are the 3 defining regions of the kidney

Answer 4

Cortex - outer
Medulla - middle
Calyces conjugate into the hilum

Question 5

What is the hilum of the kidney?

Answer 5

Recessed fiscia containing:

• renal arteries
• renal veins
• calyces
• nerves

Question 6

Why is the right renal artery longer than the left?

Answer 6

Longer as it passes behind the vena cava

Question 7

What is the blood supply L/min to the kidneys?

Answer 7

1.2L/min

Question 8

What is the function of the ureters?

Answer 8

Carry urine from kidney to bladder

Question 9

How long are the ureters?

Answer 9

25-30 cm

retroperitoneal and receive blood supply from various vessels along their route

Question 10

Outline how the ureters enter the bladder

Answer 10

Enter bladder via ureteric meatus forming the corners of the trigone - apex points towards pubic symphysis

Question 11

What is the significance of the rugae membrane of the bladder?

Answer 11

Signals full bladder
2 ureters enter
1 urethra exits

Question 12

How is urinary continence maintained?

Answer 12

Via internal and external sphincters

- contracted bladder = relaxed sphincters

Question 13

What are the 3 parts of the male urethra?

Answer 13

prostatic, bulbous, membranous