Kidney ( Part -1 )

-

Synonyms

The kidneys are also called renes from which we have the derivative renal; and nephros from which we have the terms nephron, nephritis, etc.


Definition

Kidneys are a pair of excretory organs situated on the  posterior abdominal wall, one on each side of the vertebral column, behind the peritoneum. They remove
waste products of metabolism and excess of water and salts from the blood, and maintain its pH.


Location

The kidneys occupy the epigastric, hypochondriac, lumbar and umbilical regions. Vertically they extend from the upper border of twelfth thoracic vertebra to the centre of the body of third lumbar
vertebra. The right kidney is slightly lower than the left, and the left kidney is a little nearer to the median  plane than the right.
The transpyloric plane passes through the upper part of the hilus of the right kidney, and through the lower part of the hilus of the left kidney.


Shape , size , weight and orientation

Each kidney is about L1 cm long, 6 cm broad, and 3 cm thick. The left kidney is a little longer and narrower than the right kidney. On an average the kidney weighs
150 g in males and 135 g in females. The kidneys are reddish brown in colour.
The long axis of the kidney is directed downwards and laterally, so that the upper poles are nearer to the  medianplane than the lower poles. The transverse axis is directed laterally and backwards.
In the foetus the kidney is lobulated and is made up  of about 12 lobules. After birth the lobules gradually fuse, so that in adults the kidney is uniformly smooth.
However, the evidence of foetal lobulation may persist.

External features

Each kidney is bean-shaped. It has upper and lower poles, medial and lateral borders, and anterior and posterior surface.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

LIVER features, location, structures,blood supply, and it's function

-
Features The liver is a large, solid, gland situated in the right upper quadrant of the abdominal cavity. In the living subject, the liver is reddish brown in colour, soft in consistency, andvery friable. It weighs about 1600 g in males and about 1300 g in females. Location The liver occupies the whole of the right hypo- chondrium, the greater part of the epigastrium, and extends into the left hypochondrium reaching up to the left lateral line. From the above it will be obvious that most of the liver is covered by ribs and costal cartilages, except in the upper part of the epigastrium where it is in contact with the anterior abdominal wall . The liver is the largest gland in the body. It secretes bile and performs various other metabolic functions. The liver is also called the 'hepar' from which we have the adjective 'hepatic' applied to many structures connected with the organ. External features The liver is wedge-shaped. It resembles a four-...
Read more

Anatomy of Adrenal gland

-
Image
The suprarenal or adrenal glands are endocrine glands  which help to maintain water and electrolyte balance. These also prepare the body for any emergency. These are subjected to hyper- or hypofunctioning. Lack of secretion of the cortical part leads to Addison's disease. Excessive secretion causes retention of salts and fluids.Tumour of adrenal medulla or pheochromocytoma causes persistent severe hypertension. Subdivisions The suprarenal glands are a pair of important endocrine glands situated on the posterior abdominal wall over the upper pole of the kidneys behind the peritoneum. They are made up of two parts. 1 An outer cortex of mesodermal origin, which secretes a number of steroid hormones. 2 An inner medulla of neural crest origin, which is made up of chromaffin cells and secretes adrenaline and noradrenalin or catecholamines. Location Each gland lies in the epigastrium, at the upper pole of  the kidney, in front of the crus of the diaphra...
Read more