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.
Where is the kidney located anatomically and what anatomical structures provide protection to the kidney?
As noted previously, the structure of the kidney is divided into two principle regions—the peripheral rim of cortex and the central medulla. The two kidneys receive about 25 percent of cardiac output. They are protected in
the retroperitoneal space by the renal fat pad and overlying ribs and muscle
.
How are the kidneys anchored?
Externally, the kidneys are surrounded by three layers, illustrated in Figure 2. The outermost layer is a tough connective tissue layer called the renal fascia. The second layer is called
the perirenal fat capsule
, which helps anchor the kidneys in place. The third and innermost layer is the renal capsule.
What keeps the kidneys in place?
Each kidney is held in place by
connective tissue, called renal fascia
, and is surrounded by a thick layer of adipose tissue, called perirenal fat, which helps to protect it. A tough, fibrous, connective tissue renal capsule
What is the anatomical position of the kidneys?
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs
on either side of your spine, below your ribs and behind your belly
. Each kidney is about 4 or 5 inches long, roughly the size of a large fist. The kidneys' job is to filter your blood.
Are the kidneys in the abdominal cavity?
The abdominal cavity contains the greater part of the digestive tract, the liver and pancreas, the spleen, the kidneys, and the adrenal glands located above the kidneys.
What are the 7 functions of the kidney?
- A – controlling ACID-base balance.
- W – controlling WATER balance.
- E – maintaining ELECTROLYTE balance.
- T – removing TOXINS and waste products from the body.
- B – controlling BLOOD PRESSURE.
- E – producing the hormone ERYTHROPOIETIN.
- D – activating vitamin D.
How a kidney looks like?
Your kidneys are
shaped like beans
, and each is about the size of a fist. They are near the middle of your back, one on either side of your spine, just below your rib cage. Each kidney is connected to your bladder by a thin tube called a ureter.
What is the correct order of components of a nephron?
Each nephron is composed of a renal corpuscle (glomerulus within Bowman's capsule),
a proximal tubule (convoluted and straight components)
, an intermediate tubule (loop of Henle
What are the signs that something is wrong with your kidneys?
- You're more tired, have less energy or are having trouble concentrating. …
- You're having trouble sleeping. …
- You have dry and itchy skin. …
- You feel the need to urinate more often. …
- You see blood in your urine. …
- Your urine is foamy. …
- You're experiencing persistent puffiness around your eyes.
How do I know if it's my kidneys that hurt?
A dull ache that's usually constant
.
Pain under your rib cage
or in your belly. Pain in your side; usually only one side, but sometimes both hurt. Sharp or severe pain that may come in waves.
What color is urine when your kidneys are failing?
Kidneys make urine, so when the kidneys are failing, the urine may change. How? You may urinate less often, or in smaller amounts than usual, with dark-colored urine. Your urine may contain blood.
Which kidney is more important left or right?
The left kidney is located slightly more superior than the right kidney
due to the larger size of the liver on the right side of the body. Unlike the other abdominal organs, the kidneys lie behind the peritoneum that lines the abdominal cavity and are thus considered to be retroperitoneal organs.
Where are kidneys located in the body cavity?
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in
the upper retroperitoneal region of the abdomen
. That is, they are located behind the smooth peritoneal lining of the upper part of the abdominal cavity, between it and the posterior body wall.
Are kidneys above or below the waist?
The kidneys are located at the rear wall of the abdominal cavity
just above the waistline
and are protected by the ribcage. They are considered retroperitoneal, which means that they lie behind the peritoneum, the membrane lining of the abdominal cavity.
What are the 8 functions of the kidneys?
- Regulation of extracellular fluid volume. The kidneys work to ensure an adequate quantity of plasma to keep blood flowing to vital organs.
- Regulation of osmolarity. …
- Regulation of ion concentrations. …
- Regulation of pH. …
- Excretion of wastes and toxins. …
- Production of hormones.
