Kidney Anatomy and Physiology
This article is for undergraduate nurses who wish to obtain a greater understanding of applied anatomy and physiology. There are four questions to be attempted during the reading session. The answers are given at the end of the session.
The Human Renal System
The human renal system is made up of two kidneys, two ureters, the urinary bladder, and the urethra. In addition to the production of urine the renal system has many other functions.
One quarter to one fifth of cardiac output passes through the kidneys at all times. This means that the kidneys filter approximately 1.2 liters of blood every minute. It is therefore not surprising that even slight abnormalities of renal function quickly lead to electrolyte disturbances. If untreated death will occur.
The Kidneys
The kidneys are two bean shaped organs of the renal system located on the posterior wall of the abdomen one on each side of the vertebral column at the level of the twelfth rib. The left kidney is slightly higher than the right. Why do you think that the right kidney is lower than the left? (Q1). Human kidneys are richly supplied with blood vessels which give them their reddish brown color. The kidneys measure about 10cm in length and, 5cm in breadth and about 2.5 cm in thickness.
The kidneys are protected by three highly specialized layers of protective tissues. The outer layer consists mainly of connective tissue which protects the kidneys from trauma and infection. This layer is often called the renal fascia or fibrous membrane. The technical name for this layer is the renal capsule. The next layer (second layer from the exterior) is called the fascia and it makes a fibrous capsule around the kidneys. This layer connects the kidneys to the abdominal wall. The inner most layer is made up of adipose tissue and is essentially a layer of fatty tissue which forms a protective cushions the kidney; and the renal capsule (fibrous sac) surrounds the kidney and protects it from trauma and infection.
Blood and Nerve Supply:
The kidneys receive their oxygenated blood supply from the renal arteries which come off the abdominal portion of the aorta. Venous blood from the kidneys drains into the renal veins to join the abdominal portion of the inferior vena cava.
The hilum of the kidneys is located toward the smaller curvature. The opening in the hilum allows for the entry and exit of blood vessels and nerves. The funnel shaped extension of the kidneys is called the renal pelvis and it connects the kidneys to the two ureters. This structure facilitates the collection of the urine from the kidneys and drainage to the urinary bladder.
The ureters are tubes that are 25-30cm long and lined with smooth muscle. These tubes help carry urine to the bladder. The muscular tissue helps force urine downwards. They enter the bladder at an angle, so urine doesn’t flow up the wrong way.
Liked it
Mani Manning | Sep 17, 2007 | Reply
I have very many problems with my kindi. I donno what’s what? You can help I?
Best wisshes.
Mani
Shergill | Sep 25, 2007 | Reply
Good Day Mr. Manning,
Thank You for sharing your concerns with me and the readers. I am not a doctor. My advice would be for you to seek medical help. Please see a qualified practitioner. At least you will know that he will not do you any harm.
Currently, there are many retailers of different products. I am not impressed with the labelling or benefits of those products. So, thread carefully.
Good Luck and Best wishes.
Shergill
M.Smith | Apr 23, 2008 | Reply
Great Article. Lots of facts. I love it.
Shergill | Jun 6, 2008 | Reply
Good Day M. Smith,
Thank You for your positive comments. They are motivationg to me.
Thank You, once again.
Shergill
dr_mustafa | Jul 20, 2009 | Reply
thank you very much .this is good information i hope to be in direct contact with u
jelika | Jul 26, 2009 | Reply
an informative article,very helpful.thanks for posting it..
Shergill | Aug 12, 2009 | Reply
Hi Dr. Mustafa
Hi Jelika
I am honoured to have very positive comments from both of you.
I always try to do things which may be helpful to society because life is too short.
Thank You.
NASIR MOHAMMED DALHAT | Oct 16, 2009 | Reply
Thanks alot,its anice work.
dr, ibrahem | Jan 2, 2010 | Reply
thank you ror this great article and i hope to read another article like this one
Shergill | Jan 3, 2010 | Reply
Hi Nasir and Ibrahem,
Thank You for your comments. They are appreciated.
Loui | Jan 13, 2010 | Reply
This is a great article. This has helped me a lot in my study on Anatomy and Physiology. Thanks for reaching out this article to student nurses like me
D. S. Rawat | Mar 18, 2010 | Reply
Hello
I have a problem. My recent checkup shows that my right kidney is small with reduced cortical thickness measuring 7.7*3.2 cms. Last year checkup was normal. My physician ignored it. what is it? what should I do?
D. S. Rawat
Shergill | Mar 18, 2010 | Reply
You have not stated your age. Shrinkage is generally due to arterial diseases. My best advice would be for you to eat right, check you cholestrol levels and keep them in the right ratios. Do not blame the Doctor. There is very littla a doctor can do to alter the course of a disease before it becomes visible.
Frequent check-ups to keep a tab on how the disease is prgressing.
Marcia Blackwood-Wilson | Mar 30, 2010 | Reply
Hello, I am writing to you from Jamaica. I find this article very informative. I am doing a dialysis course and you article was recommended. Keep up the good work
budi | May 16, 2010 | Reply
hi,frend makasih atas info mkesnya tapi kalo bisa ditambah donk dengan daftar pustakanya biar lebih valid
wheng | May 18, 2010 | Reply
hi! thanks for the info, it helps a lot on my studies…
BAJWA | Oct 14, 2010 | Reply
This is great info!, im a first year dentistry student and i have to also learn anatomy and phys and this will really help with my exams
thanks
saahil | Dec 14, 2010 | Reply
dr my mather she hase pro with kidney so what can she do ?
if she take more water shee fiull the bain
Jane | Jan 27, 2011 | Reply
Hi, I am a GP and have thoroughly enjoyed this article. thanks. Jane
mapule | Mar 15, 2012 | Reply
what causes glomerulonephritis.
Azaruddin | Nov 5, 2012 | Reply
its gud and very imp matter …………….!!!!!!!!!!!