Renal Anatomy

Question 1

Abdominal cavity

Answer 1

Forms superior and major part of abdominopelvic cavity
Between diaphragm and pelvic inlet
Extends to thoracic cage
Location of most organs

Question 2

Divisions of abdomen

Answer 2

RH = right hypochondriac 
RL = right lumbar 
RI = right inguinal 
LH = left hypochondriac 
LL = left lumbar 
LI = left inguinal 
RUQ = right upper quadrant 
LUQ = left upper quadrant 
RLQ = right lower quadrant 
LLQ = left lower quadrant

Question 3

Right upper quadrant

Answer 3

Right lobe of liver 
Gallbladder 
Pylorus of stomach 
Head of pancreas 
Right kidney

Question 4

Left upper quadrant

Answer 4

Left lobe of liver 
Spleen 
Stomach 
Body and tail of pancreas 
Left kidney

Question 5

Right lower quadrant

Answer 5

Appendix

Right ovary

Question 6

Left lower quadrant

Answer 6

Left ovary

Sigmoid colon

Question 7

Functions of the urinary system

Answer 7

Excretion = the removal of organic waste products from body
Elimination = the discharge of waste products into the environment
Homeostatic regulation of blood plasma = regulating blood volume and pressure, regulating plasma ion concentrations, stabilizing blood pH, conserving nutrients

Question 8

Urinary system includes

Answer 8

Kidneys = produce urine
Ureters = conduct urine to bladder
Urinary bladder = stores urine
Urethra = conducts urine to exterior

Question 9

Kidneys

Answer 9

Lie retroperitoneally on posterior abdominal wall
Removes excess water, salts, and protein wastes
Return nutrients and chemicals to blood
Renal bioluminescent is a space where the renal artery, vein, and ureter are located
Nephron is the functional unit of the kidney (~2 million) located within renal pyramids

Question 10

Nephron

Answer 10

Blood enters Bowman’s (part of the renal corpuscle)
Travels down proximal tubule to loop of henle and ascends up
Exits out of distal tubule and dumps into collecting ducts (then into minor calyces)
Major calyces lie within renal pelvis and then form ureter

Question 11

Adrenal glands

Answer 11

Lie superior to each kidney and below diaphragm
Renal fascia separates them from kidney
Encased within perineal fat capsule
Secrete epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) in response to sympathetic stimulation (fight or flight response)
Secrete corticosteroids and androgens (hormones, causes kidneys to retain sodium and water in response to stress)

Question 12

Ureters

Answer 12

Pair muscular tubes
Extended from renal pelvis to bladder
Peristaltic contractions force urine toward urinary bladder

Question 13

Urinary bladder

Answer 13

Hollow, muscular organ 
Reservoir for the storage of urine 
Contraction of detrusor muscle voids bladder 
Parasympathetic response 
Splanchnic nerve plexus

Question 14

Urethra

Answer 14

Extends from the urinary bladder to the exterior of the body
Passes through urogenital diaphragm (external urinary sphincter)
Differs in length and function in males and females

Question 15

Peritoneum

Answer 15

Continuous semi-transparent membrane
Parietal peritoneum = lines internal surface of abdominopelvic wall
Visceral peritoneum = invests the viscera
Mesentery = double layer of peritoneum as a result of investing an organ, continuity of visceral and parietal peritoneum, means of neurovascular communication between organ and body wall
Omentum = double layered extension or fold of peritoneum, passes from stomach to duodenum to adjacent organs, covers most of viscera

Question 16

Omentum

Answer 16

Greater omentum = hangs down like an apron from greater curvature of the stomach and proximal duodenum
Lesser omentum = connects lesser curvature of stomach and proximal duodenum to liver

Question 17

Peritoneal ligament

Answer 17

Double layer of peritoneum connecting organs
Liver is connected to the =
Stomach via the gastrohepatic ligament
Duodenum via the hepatoduodenal ligament
Anterior abdominal wall via the falciform ligament