Comparative Kidney Anatomy in Veterinary Species

Questions and Answers

Which of the following correctly identifies the primary function of the kidneys?

Transporting urine to the bladder

Storing urine before excretion

Excreting urine through the urethra

Producing urine through nephron activity (correct)

What are the components of the urinary system that are involved in the transport, storage, and excretion of urine?

Renal pelvis, ureter, urinary bladder, and urethra (correct)

Ureters and bladder only

Kidneys and ureters only

Kidneys and bladder only

Which aspect of the urinary system varies across different species, especially regarding vascularization?

The internal renal portal system (correct)

The thickness of the bladder wall

The length of the urethra

The size of the ureters

What is true about end-arteries within the context of renal function?

They supply blood to the kidney but have no collateral circulation Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the urinary system is primarily tasked with urine storage?

Urinary bladder Signup and view all the answers

Which kidney is typically more cranial in position?

Right kidney Signup and view all the answers

What structure does the dorsal aspect of the cranial pole of the left kidney contact laterally?

Spleen Signup and view all the answers

Which organ is located caudally to the right kidney?

Descending duodenum Signup and view all the answers

In which area are the kidneys positioned within the body?

Dorsal abdomen Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the left adrenal gland and the left kidney?

Left adrenal gland contacts the medial aspect Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial structure to retract to visualize the left kidney during surgery?

Mesocolon Signup and view all the answers

Which organ is likely to be found ventrally and medially to the right kidney?

Pancreas Signup and view all the answers

What is the mobilization characteristic of the left kidney compared to the right in dogs and cats?

Left kidney is more mobile Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the general shape of canine and feline kidneys?

They are described as bean-shaped. Signup and view all the answers

What is the anatomical term for the region where the renal artery, vein, and ureter enter the kidney?

Renal hilus Signup and view all the answers

Which shape describes the right equine kidney?

Heart-shaped Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is unique to bovine kidneys compared to other species?

They have obvious lobules called reniculate. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction of porcine kidneys compared to other types?

They are described as flattened in shape. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these animals has a kidney that is described as pyramidal in shape?

Equine left kidney Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the kidney consists of a renal lobe?

Cortex combined with a pyramid and a papilla Signup and view all the answers

Which species displays kidneys that are more irregular and oval in shape?

Bovine Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the peritubular vessels in relation to venous blood?

They reabsorb many solutes to prevent osmotic solutes from reaching the renal medulla. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the subcapsular veins found in feline kidneys?

They run over the cortex instead of within the renal tissue. Signup and view all the answers

What protects the urothelial cells in the walls of the ureters and bladder?

The presence of tight junctions in the apical cells. Signup and view all the answers

What type of blood vessels are the renal arteries classified as?

End arteries. Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily found in the vasa recta?

Water, Na, K, Cl, and urea. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main anatomical position of the ureters within the body?

Retroperitoneal space Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship of the ureter as it enters the bladder?

Enters obliquely and runs intramurally Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the bladder is least affected by the degree of filling?

Urethral crest Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature do the lining cells of the bladder possess?

They have anti-urine junctions between them Signup and view all the answers

What does the bladder look like when it is empty?

Wrinkled and folded Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the ureteric folds as they move toward the neck of the bladder?

They fuse to form the urethral crest Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the male anatomy do the ureters direct medially?

Mesoductus Signup and view all the answers

What occurs to the bladder wall as it becomes distended?

The wall becomes thinner Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Outcomes

Compare anatomy of kidneys in diverse species: horses, cows, dogs, cats, pigs, and small ruminants.
Describe topographical anatomy and peritoneal relations of urinary system components.
Detail innervation and blood supply to urinary system, highlighting species variations.
Recognize distinct kidney structures and bladder wall composition in veterinary species.
Explain end-arteries and their importance in renal function.

Urinary System Overview

Comprised of urine-producing (kidneys) and urine transporting, storing, and excreting organs (renal pelvis, ureter, bladder, urethra).

Kidney Anatomy

Paired, retro-peritoneal organs in dorsal abdomen; limited mobility except in cats.
Right kidney is cranial, sitting in a fossa of the caudate liver lobe, while the left kidney is more mobile.

Anatomical Relationships of Kidneys

Left Kidney:
- Contacts greater curvature of stomach, spleen, left limb of pancreas, left adrenal gland, small intestine, descending colon, and possible ovary.
Right Kidney:
- Positioned in renal fossa of liver, adjacent to caudal vena cava and right adrenal gland, with connections to descending duodenum and pancreas.

Surgical Approach

Requires gut retraction; mesocolon and mesoduodenum need to be retracted to access kidneys.

Renal Anatomy Terminology

Common shapes:
- Dog, cat, sheep, goat: bean-shaped.
- Equines: triangular, right kidney heart-shaped, left kidney pyramidal.
- Pigs: flattened, long and flat.
- Cattle: oval, irregular shape with lobules (reniculate), similar to aquatic mammals.

Functional Components

Each renal lobe consists of cortex, pyramid, and papilla; blood vessels course through renal columns.

Renal Blood Flow and Innervation

Renal arteries serve as end-arteries, indicating no arterial collateral supply, crucial for renal function.
Carnivores exhibit extra cortical venous drainage, especially in cats with distinctive subcapsular veins.

Ureters and Bladder Structure

Ureters are bilateral muscular tubes running retroperitoneally; the bladder is a hollow muscular organ.
Urothelium forms a protective lining, facilitating stretching. Wall composition also includes lamina propria, muscular layer, and adventitia.

Ureter Functionality

Enters bladder obliquely, running intramurally before opening through slits on the bladder surface.
Positioning can be crucial in surgical procedures, especially in females during ovariohysterectomy.

Bladder Characteristics

Comprises cranial pole, body, and caudal neck; filling degree alters size and appearance.
Urothelium allows for distension; non-distended bladder shows wrinkles, while a distended one appears smoother.
Ureteric folds connect ureteral openings to neck of bladder, forming urethral crest.

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Description

This quiz explores the anatomy of kidneys across various species, including horses, cows, dogs, cats, pigs, and small ruminants. Participants will also learn about the topographical anatomy, innervation, and blood supply of the urinary system. Deepening your understanding of renal structures and their significance in veterinary practice is essential for effective diagnoses and treatments.