Week 16 - Urinary Tract

Question 1

At what vertebral level do the renal arteries arise?

Answer 1

L1/L2 intervertebral disc

The kidneys are supplied with blood via the renal arteries, which arise directly from the abdominal aorta, immediately distal to the origin of the superior mesenteric artery. Due to the anatomical position of the abdominal aorta (slightly to the left of the midline), the right renal artery is longer, and crosses the vena cava posteriorly.

Question 2

Which is true of the renal veins?

• a) The right renal vein is longer than the left renal vein
• b) The left renal vein drains into the hepatic portal vein
• c) The left renal vein is longer than the right renal vein
• d) The right renal vein crosses the abdominal aorta anteriorly
• e) The left renal vein crosses the abdominal aorta posteriorly

Answer 2

Which is true of the renal veins?

• c) The left renal vein is longer than the right renal vein

Question 3

The main anterior relation of the right kidney is to the:

• a) Jejunum
• b) Stomach
• c) Caecum
• d) Liver
• e) Diaphragm

Answer 3

Anterior relation of right kidney = d) Liver

The kidneys lie retroperitoneally (behind the peritoneum) in the abdomen, either side of the vertebral column.

They typically extend from T12 to L3, although the right kidney is often situated slightly lower due to the presence of the liver. Each kidney is approximately three vertebrae in length.

Question 4

The ureters pass ________________ to the uterine arteries (female) and ductus deferens (male).

Answer 4

The ureters pass under (posterior) to the uterine arteries (female) and ductus deferens (male).

Bridge over troubled waters (water = ureters & bridge = uterine arteries or vas deferens)

Question 5

List the three sites where nephrolithiases will most likely become lodged?

Answer 5

i. Pelviureteric junction
ii. Pelvic brim
iii. Vesicoureteric junction