Anatomy of the Kidney

Kidney Structure

• Each kidney is surrounded by a thin capsule of fibrous tissue, forming a smooth covering.
• The kidney substance lies beneath the capsule and is of a deep purple color.
• The kidney substance consists of two parts: an outer cortical part and an inner medullary part.
• The medullary part is made up of 15-16 pyramid-shaped masses, known as the pyramids of the kidney.
• The apices of the pyramids are directed towards the hilum and open into minor calyces.
• The minor calyces communicate with the pelvis of the kidney.

Kidney Size and Shape

• The right kidney is shorter and thicker than the left.
• The right kidney measures approximately 10 cm in length, 5-6 cm in width, and 2.5 cm in thickness.
• The left kidney is slightly larger than the right kidney, measuring around 11 cm in length, 6 cm in width, and 3 cm in thickness.

Kidney Location

• The kidneys are mounted by an adrenal (suprarenal) gland.
• The right renal artery is located on the right side of the hilum.