Urinary System Anatomy Flashcards
Name the components of the urinary system?
Kidneys, ureter, bladder and urethra
What is overall function of the kidneys?
To maintain homeostasis by blood filtration
What is the function of the ureter?
Connects the kidneys and bladder allowing urine to pass from the kidneys to the bladder
What is the function of the bladder?
Stores urine
What is the function of the urethra?
Carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body
Where do the kidneys lie?
On the posterior abdominal wall on either side of the vertebrae
What is the vertebral level of the kidneys?
T12-L3
Which part of the kidney does the transpyloric plane run through?
Hilum of the kidney
At what vertebral level does the transpyloric plane lie?
L1
Which of the kidneys lie lower?
Right - the position of the liver
What are the layers of the fascial coverings of the kidneys?
Fibrous renal capsule, fatty renal capsule, renal fascia and pararenal fatty tissue
What is the significance of having fatty tissue around the kidneys?
Protects the kidneys
What are the three muscles that lie behind the kidneys?
Diaphragm, psoas major and quadratus lumbomum
What structures lie over the right kidney?
Suprarenal gland, liver, duodenum, colon and jejunum
What structures lie over the left kidney?
Suprarenal gland, stomach, spleen, pancreas, small bowel and left colonic flexture
What is the nerve supply to the kidneys?
Sympathetic: T12-L1 (pass through the coeliac plexus and run alongside the renal artery
Parasympathetic: Branches of the vagus nerve
What is the lymphatic drainage of the kidneys?
Para-aortic lymph nodes around the origin of the renal arteries
At what vertebral level are the renal arteries given off from the aorta?
L1/2
What happens to the renal arteries at the hilum of the kidney?
It divides into five branches (some of these will end up on the posterior surface of the kidneys)
Which vein drains into the left renal vein?
L Gonadal vein
Where does the right gonadal vein drain into?
IVC
How are the ureters peritonised?
Retroperitoneal
Which muscle does the ureter lie on?
Psoas major
Which structure crosses the ureter superiorly in males?
Vas deferens
Which structure crosses the ureter superiorly in females?
Uterine artery
Where are the three constrictions of the ureters?
Renal pelvis origin, pelvic brim and vesico-uteric junction
What is the median umbilical ligament a remnant of?
Urachus
Which bone sits immediately anterior to the bladder?
Pubic symphysis
What epithelium lines the bladder?
Transitional epithelium
Where do the ureters lie in relation to the vertebrae?
In line with the transverse process
