Kidneys

Question 1

what colour are the kidneys, location in abdomen and type of organs?

Answer 1

bilateral bean-shaped organs
posterior abdomen
They are reddish-brown in colour

Question 2

main function of kidneys?

Answer 2

to filter and excrete waste products from the blood. They are also responsible for water and electrolyte balance in the body

Question 3

what do the kidneys excrete and what is formed?

Answer 3

Metabolic waste and excess electrolytes are excreted by the kidneys to form urine

Question 4

where is urine transported from and where to?

Answer 4

kidneys to bladder

Question 5

what does urine travel from the kidney to the bladder via?

Answer 5

ureters

Question 6

where does the urine leave the body via?

Answer 6

urethra

Question 7

where does the urethra open out into?

Answer 7

perineum

Question 8

where do the kidneys lie in the abdomen?

Answer 8

retroperitoneally (behind the peritoneum) in the abdomen, either side of the vertebral column

Question 9

where do the kidneys typically extend from to?

Answer 9

They typically extend from T12 to L3

Question 10

which kidney is situated lower? why?

Answer 10

the right kidney is often situated slightly lower due to the presence of the liver

Question 11

how long is each kidney approximately in length?

Answer 11

three vertebrae in length

Question 12

why is the length of kidneys important?

Answer 12

can be used to gauge any changes in size when interpreting radiographs

Question 13

what lies anterior to the left kidney?

Answer 13

suprarenal gland
spleen
stomach
pancreas
left colic flexure
jejunum

Question 14

what lies posterior to the left kidney?

Answer 14

diaphragm
11th and 12th ribs
psoas major, quadratus lumborum, transverse abdominis muscle
subcostal, iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves

Question 15

what lies anterior to the right kidney?

Answer 15

suprarenal gland
liver
duodenum
right colic flexure

Question 16

what lies posterior to the right kidney?

Answer 16

diaphragm
12th rib
psoas major, quadratus lumborum, transverse abdominis muscle
subcostal, iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves

Question 17

what are the kidneys encased in?

Answer 17

complex layers of fascia and fat

Question 18

what are the different layers of the kidney (deep to superficial)?

Answer 18

renal capsule
perirenal fat
renal fascia
pararenal fat

Question 19

describe the renal capsule

Answer 19

tough fibrous capsule - deepest

Question 20

describe the perirenal fat layer

Answer 20

2nd from deep

collection of extraperitoneal fat

Question 21

describe renal fascia layer

Answer 21

2nd most superficial layer

Encloses the kidneys and the suprarenal glands

Question 22

describe the location of the pararenal fat layer in relation to kidneys

Answer 22

most superficial layer

Mainly located on the posterolateral aspect of the kidney

Question 23

what do the kidneys have in addition to their external coverings?

Answer 23

the kidneys have an intricate inner structure

Question 24

how can the renal parenchyma be divided internally?

Answer 24

Internally, the renal parenchyma can be divided into two main areas – the outer cortex and inner medulla

Question 25

where does the cortex extend to? what does this create? what are they known as?

Answer 25

The cortex extends into the medulla, dividing it into triangular shapes – these are known as renal pyramids.

Question 26

what is the apex of a renal pyramid called?

Answer 26

a renal papilla

Question 27

what is each renal papilla associated with?

Answer 27

a structure known as the minor calyx

Question 28

what is the function of the minor calyx?

Answer 28

collects urine from the pyramids

Question 29

what do several minor calices merge to form?

Answer 29

a major calyx

Question 30

what passes through the major calices and where do they travel to?

Answer 30

Urine passes through the major calices into the renal pelvis

Question 31

what is the renal pelvis like?

Answer 31

a flattened and funnel-shaped structure

Question 32

what happens to the urine from the renal pelvis?

Answer 32

From the renal pelvis, urine drains into the ureter, which transports it to the bladder for storage.

Question 33

what is the medial margin of each kidney marked by? what is it known as?

Answer 33

The medial margin of each kidney is marked by a deep fissure, known as the renal hilum

Question 34

what is the function of the renal hilum?

Answer 34

This acts as a gateway to the kidney – the renal vessels and ureter enter/exit the kidney via this structure.