Kidney anatomy

Summary

This educational video delves into the anatomy of the kidneys, focusing on their structures and location within the body. Positioned between T12 and L3, the kidneys are retroperitoneal, with the right kidney slightly lower due to liver pressure. The video highlights the kidneys' relationship with surrounding organs like the spleen and adrenal glands, and explains their blood supply via renal arteries and veins. It also explores the internal structure, including the cortex, medulla, and nephrons, emphasizing how these components contribute to the kidney's function in filtering blood and producing urine.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The video discusses the anatomy of the kidney, focusing on its structure rather than its physiology.
• 📍 Kidneys are located posteriorly between the levels of T12 and L3 vertebrae, with the right kidney slightly lower due to the liver.
• 🦴 Ribs 11 and 12 protect the kidneys, which are found low in the back.
• 🩺 Kidneys are retroperitoneal, meaning they are located behind the peritoneal cavity.
• 🔍 The spleen should not be confused with the kidneys; the spleen is higher up and more lateral, located between ribs 9, 10, and 11 on the left side.
• 🩸 The kidneys have a superior and an inferior pole, with the adrenal glands sitting on top of them.
• 💉 Blood supply to the kidneys comes from the renal arteries, and blood is drained by the renal veins. The left renal vein is longer and can be compressed by the superior mesenteric artery.
• 💧 The kidneys filter blood, removing excess water and toxins, and this process involves significant blood flow.
• 🏞️ The internal structure of the kidney includes the cortex (outer layer) and medulla (inner layer), with urine collecting in the minor calyces, major calyces, and finally the renal pelvis before draining into the ureter.
• 🔬 Nephrons, the functional units of the kidney, include structures like Bowman's capsule, proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, and the collecting duct.

Q & A

Where are the kidneys typically located in the human body?

The kidneys are located between the levels of T12 and L3, posteriorly in the abdominal cavity. The right kidney is slightly lower than the left due to the liver pushing it down.

What is the difference between the right and left kidneys in terms of position?

The right kidney is positioned slightly lower than the left kidney, by a few centimeters, due to the liver's influence.

What structures help protect the kidneys?

The kidneys are protected by the ribs, specifically ribs 11 and 12, as well as the posterior abdominal wall muscles.

What is the term used to describe the position of the kidneys relative to the peritoneal cavity?

The kidneys are described as being retroperitoneal, meaning they are located behind the peritoneal cavity.

What is the function of the adrenal glands located above the kidneys?

The adrenal glands, also known as suprarenal glands, produce adrenaline and other important hormones.

What major muscles are the kidneys situated on top of?

The kidneys are situated on top of the iliacus and quadratus lumborum muscles.

How does the anatomical position of the kidneys relate to their blood supply?

The kidneys have a rich blood supply due to their function in filtering the blood. They receive blood through the renal arteries and drain it through the renal veins.

What is the difference between the renal arteries and veins in terms of their position relative to the abdominal aorta?

The renal veins are anterior to the renal arteries. The left renal vein can be compressed by the superior mesenteric artery, which could potentially affect drainage.

What is the structure through which urine drains from the kidneys to the bladder?

Urine drains from the kidneys through the renal pelvis and into the ureters, which then descend to the bladder.

How are the functional units of the kidneys, known as nephrons, structured?

Nephrons consist of the Bowman's capsule, proximal convoluted tubules, loops of Henle, distal convoluted tubules, and collecting ducts. They are found in the cortex and medulla of the kidneys.

What is the significance of the renal pyramids and calyces in the kidney's structure?

The renal pyramids are part of the medulla where urine collects at their tips in the minor calyces. These minor calyces then drain into the major calyces and finally into the renal pelvis.