2. The Urinary System Flashcards
(20 cards)
What blood vessels supplies the kidneys?
Renal arteries and renal vein
Why do the kidneys get their blood supply directly from the aorta?
It needs a high blood pressure supply to drive ultrafiltration
What is the function of the capsule?
It prevents the kidney from bursting and dying if there is an infection or blockage that causes the pressure to build up
What does the renal fascia contain?
Perirenal fat (perinephric fat)
What is immediately outside the capsule of the kidney?
Perirenal fat which is surrounded by renal fascia
Where are the kidneys located? (make reference to the peritoneum)
The kidneys are retroperitoneal just below the diaphragm (so the move with breathing)
What does the anterior and posterior renal fascia fuse with?
Each other then it fuses with the transversalis fascia
Above each suprarenal gland, what is the orientation of the fascia?
The anterior and posterior fascia fuse above the adrenal glands and then fuse with the fascia that covers the diaphragm
Describe the path of the anterior fascia of the kidney?
Medially, the anterior renal fascia moves over the vessels of the hilum and fuses with the connective tissue associated with the abdominal aorta and IVC.
Describe the path of the posterior fascia of the kidney?
Medially, it passes between the kidney and fascia of the quadratus lumborum before fusing with the fascia of the psoas major.
What encloses the ureter?
The anterior and posterior layers of the renal fascia
Where is the pararenal fat (paranephric fat)?
Posterior and posterolateral to each kidney between the layers of fascia
Where are the sites of renal colic?
Caused by kidneys stones - kidneys, ureters, urethra and bladder
How is urine transported through the ureters?
Through the use of smooth muscle - peristalsis
Describe the origin of the ureters?
The renal pelvis passes inferiorly to the hilum of the kidney and becomes continuous with the ureter at the uteropelvic junction
What is specific function does the epithelium of the ureters have?
Pseudo columnar epithelium - allows stretching to accommodate urine bolus
Tight junctions - prevents the movement of urine back into cells
When empty what cavity does the bladder sit in?
The pelvic cavity
When full what cavity does the bladder sit in?
Extends from the pelvic cavity to the abdominal cavity
Describe the shape of the bladder
It is a three-sided pyramid with a superior surface and two inferior lateral surfaces. There is an apex and base
What is joined to the apex of the bladder?
The median umbilical ligament - joins to the anterior abdominal wall of the umbilicus
