Urinary anatomy Flashcards
The Left renal vein lies posterior to…
…the superior mesenteric artery
What is the difference between the left and right gonadal veins?
- Left drains into LRV then IVC
- Right drains straight into IVC
What is the hylum of the kidney?
-The indentation within the kidney where all the vessels/nerves enter or leave
Describe the location of the ureters in relation to the surrounding structures (RA and RV)
-Posterior to renal artery which is posterior to renal vein
At which spinal level do the kidneys begin?
- Left T11/T12
- Right T12/L1
Why does the right kidney lie lower than the left?
-Liver
What are polar arteries?
-Remnants of renal arteries during development (important during surgery as differ in people)
Describe the relationship between the ureters and the bladder
-Ureters enter on posterior wall of bladder (known as urteric orifice)
Describe the location of the ureters in relation to iliac vessels
-Anterior to iliac vessels
What is the trigone?
-Non-distensible area within the bladder between the ureteric orifices and internal urethral meatus which signals to be emptied upon stretch
What is the detrusor?
-Muscle of the bladder
Can you palpate the bladder?
-Only if full
How long is the urethra in men and women?
- Men = 20-25cm
- Women = 2-4cm
Why are women more susceptible to urinary tract infection?
-Urethra is close to vaginal vestibule and anus
What aids continence in women?
- Anatomical U-bend which supports neck of bladder
- urogenital diaphragm (pelvic floor)
- External urethral sphincter
Name the parts of the male urethra
- Preprostatic
- Prostatic
- Membranous
- Spongy
What is the function of the internal sphincter in males?
-Prevent retrograde ejacuation into bladder
What is the pelviureteric junction and why is it clinically significant?
- Narrowing where renal pelvis transitions to ureters
- Often site of renal stone
What organ overlays anterior medial right kidney?
-duodenum
What organ overlays most of the anterior right kidney?
-Liver
What organs overlay anterior left kidney?
- Spleen
- Pancreas
- Small gut
- Stomach
What is the difference between the left and right suprarenal vein?
- Left drains into LRV then IVC
- Right drains straight into IVC
Describe the anatomical route of urine
-Medullary rays -> Renal pyramid ->renal papillae -> major calyx -> minor calyx -> renal pelvis -> ureter
Describe the divisions of the renal artery
-Renal artery -> segmental arteries -> interlobar arteries -> Arcuate arteries -> Interlobular arteries -> afferent arteries
