Urinary anatomy

Question 1

The Left renal vein lies posterior to…

Answer 1

…the superior mesenteric artery

Question 2

What is the difference between the left and right gonadal veins?

Answer 2

• Left drains into LRV then IVC

- Right drains straight into IVC

Question 3

What is the hylum of the kidney?

Answer 3

-The indentation within the kidney where all the vessels/nerves enter or leave

Question 4

Describe the location of the ureters in relation to the surrounding structures (RA and RV)

Answer 4

-Posterior to renal artery which is posterior to renal vein

Question 5

At which spinal level do the kidneys begin?

Answer 5

• Left T11/T12

- Right T12/L1

Question 6

Why does the right kidney lie lower than the left?

Answer 6

-Liver

Question 7

What are polar arteries?

Answer 7

-Remnants of renal arteries during development (important during surgery as differ in people)

Question 8

Describe the relationship between the ureters and the bladder

Answer 8

-Ureters enter on posterior wall of bladder (known as urteric orifice)

Question 9

Describe the location of the ureters in relation to iliac vessels

Answer 9

-Anterior to iliac vessels

Question 10

What is the trigone?

Answer 10

-Non-distensible area within the bladder between the ureteric orifices and internal urethral meatus which signals to be emptied upon stretch

Question 11

What is the detrusor?

Answer 11

-Muscle of the bladder

Question 12

Can you palpate the bladder?

Answer 12

-Only if full

Question 13

How long is the urethra in men and women?

Answer 13

• Men = 20-25cm

- Women = 2-4cm

Question 14

Why are women more susceptible to urinary tract infection?

Answer 14

-Urethra is close to vaginal vestibule and anus

Question 15

What aids continence in women?

Answer 15

• Anatomical U-bend which supports neck of bladder
• urogenital diaphragm (pelvic floor)
• External urethral sphincter

Question 16

Name the parts of the male urethra

Answer 16

• Preprostatic
• Prostatic
• Membranous
• Spongy

Question 17

What is the function of the internal sphincter in males?

Answer 17

-Prevent retrograde ejacuation into bladder

Question 18

What is the pelviureteric junction and why is it clinically significant?

Answer 18

• Narrowing where renal pelvis transitions to ureters

- Often site of renal stone

Question 19

What organ overlays anterior medial right kidney?

Answer 19

-duodenum

Question 20

What organ overlays most of the anterior right kidney?

Answer 20

-Liver

Question 21

What organs overlay anterior left kidney?

Answer 21

• Spleen
• Pancreas
• Small gut
• Stomach

Question 22

What is the difference between the left and right suprarenal vein?

Answer 22

• Left drains into LRV then IVC

- Right drains straight into IVC

Question 23

Describe the anatomical route of urine

Answer 23

-Medullary rays -> Renal pyramid ->renal papillae -> major calyx -> minor calyx -> renal pelvis -> ureter

Question 24

Describe the divisions of the renal artery

Answer 24

-Renal artery -> segmental arteries -> interlobar arteries -> Arcuate arteries -> Interlobular arteries -> afferent arteries