Urinary - Gross Anatomy Flashcards
Which vertebral levels do the kidneys start/finish
T11/12 - L3
How much does each kidney weigh?
150g
Where does the bladder sit in the body?
Behind the pubic bone in adults and above it as a child
What is the prostates function (in men obvs)
Acts as a hilum for the urethra and seminal vessels to pass through to the penis
Where do the ureters arise from?
From the renal pelvis on the medial aspect of each kidney
Which direction do the ureters descend?
In front of psoas major
Why does the ureters enter the bladder obliquely?
To act as a ‘valve’ for when the bladder fills so the urine doesn’t flow back up to the kidney
What are kidney stones?
Solid pieces of material which is formed in the kidney from minerals in urine (esp calcium) that can cause a blockage in the ureter.
Where are the 3 worst areas for kidney stone blockage?
Junction of the renal pelvis and the ureter
The point at which the ureters cross the brim of the pelvis
Where the ureters pass into the wall of the bladder
What will diagnose a kidney stone?
History (pain radiating from groin) urinanalysis (blood leukocytes)
What 4 structures pass through the hilum of the kidney?
Renal arteries, renal vein, renal plexus and urethra
What surrounds the kidney?
Fibrous capsule
Where are the kidneys located in the body?
Retroperitoneal organs that sit either side of the spine in the abdominal cavity.
Describe the renal cortex?
Continuous smooth outer zone with cortical columns that extend down between the pyramids. It contains the glomerulus and bowmans capsule, ultrafiltration takes place here. It contains renal tubules except for parts of the loop of henle (descends into the medulla)
Describe the renal medulla
Split into pyramids contains the structures of nephrons that are responsible for maintaining salt and water balance.
Describe the journey from the collection duct to the urethra
Pyramids –> minor calynx —> major calynx –> renal pelvis
How much of CO is delivered to the kidneys?
20%
What level do the renal arteries arise from the abdominal aorta?
L1/L2 immediately below sup. mesenteric artery
What structures does the right renal artery pass under?
IVC
What structure does the left renal vein pass over?
Aorta
What is the order of artery supply to the kidneys?
Renal, segmental, interlobar, arcuate, interlobular, afferent, glomerulus, efferent
What is a nephron?
Basic structural and functional unit of the kidney regulates conc of water and ions.
What is the order of filtration from the blood flow?
Bowmans capsule Proximal convoluted tube Loop of Henle (medulla) Distal convoluted tube Collection duct
What is the key function of the PCT?
Isoosmotic reabsorption (same in same out)
MAJOR site of reabsorption
60-70% NA+
100% glucose
