Urinary system + kidney anatomy

Question 1

Function of the ureter?

Answer 1

Passage of urine from the kidneys -> bladder

Question 2

Describe the general kidney structure

What forms the renal parenchyma?

Answer 2

Renal capsule = tough + fibrous
Peri renal fat -> collection of extraperitoneal fat
Renal fascia -> surrounds the kidney and adrenal glands
Pararenal fat

Renal parenchyma = Inner medulla + outer cortex
Cortex enters medulla to form the renal pyramids
Renal pyramid has an apex ( papilla) and a minor calyx ( to collect urine from the pyramids)
Minor calyces flow into a major calcyx -> renal pelvis -> ureter -> bladder

Question 3

Where do the renal arteries arise from?

Answer 3

Abdominal aorta

Question 4

Describe the divisions of the renal arteries?

Answer 4

Has an anterior + posterior division giving rise to the 5 segmental arteries
Segmental arteries 
Interlobar
arcuate 
Interlobular 
afferent arterioles

Question 5

Describe the veneous drainage of the kidneys

Answer 5

Interlobular veins 
arcuate veins 
Interlobar veins
Segmental veins 
L + R Renal veins -> IVC 
Left gonadol vein drains into the left renal vein before entering the IVC

Question 6

What type of organ are the kidneys and adrenal glands?

Answer 6

Retroperitoneal - only anterior surface covered by parietal peritoneum

Question 7

Describe the blood supply to the adrenal glands?

Answer 7

Superior adrenal artery
Middle adrenal artery
Inferior adrenal artery