Where are the kidneys located in the body?

The kidneys are retroperitoneal organs on the posterior abdominal wall, opposite vertebrae T12 to L3. The right kidney sits lower than the left due to the liver's position.

What are the main functions of the kidneys?

The kidneys are essential for excretion and homeostasis. They filter blood to remove metabolic waste and regulate fluid-electrolyte balance and pH.

What are the key external features of a kidney?

Each kidney is bean-shaped, measuring 11 cm long, 6 cm wide, and 3 cm thick, with weights of ~150 g in males and ~135 g in females. It has two poles, two surfaces, two borders, and a hilum for vessels and the ureter.

What structures are anterior to the right and left kidneys?

Anterior to the right kidney are the suprarenal gland, liver, duodenum, right colic flexure, and jejunum. Anterior to the left kidney are the suprarenal gland, spleen, stomach, pancreas, left colic flexure, and jejunum.

What are the layers covering the kidney?

The kidney is covered by four layers: fibrous capsule (the true capsule), perirenal fat (enclosing the kidney and suprarenal gland), renal fascia (forming Gerota's fascia), and pararenal fat (providing cushioning).

What is the basic microscopic structure of the kidney?

The kidney contains 1–3 million nephrons, each consisting of a glomerulus and tubule (PCT, loop of Henle, DCT). Nephrons drain into collecting ducts that lead to the renal papilla.

What are some common developmental anomalies of the kidney?

Common anomalies include lobulated kidney (persistence of fetal lobules), polycystic kidney (failure of nephron-duct union), horseshoe kidney (fusion of lower poles, blocked by the IMA), and renal agenesis (absence due to ureteric bud failure).

What is the clinical significance of Brödel's line?

Brödel's line is an avascular plane on the posterior kidney, used as a surgical entry point to minimize bleeding during kidney procedures.

Kidney Anatomy – Location, Coverings & Internal Structure

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