Kidney Structure and Functional Anatomy

Kidney Structure

• The fibrous capsule encloses the kidney, protecting it from trauma and infection, and is anchored at the hilum.
• The kidneys are suspended by collagen fibers that extend from the fibrous capsule through the fat to the renal fascia.
• The renal fascia is fused with the peritoneum anteriorly and the fascia of the lumbar muscles posteriorly.

Kidney Position and Movement

• The kidneys drop about 3 cm when moving from a lying down to standing position.
• In some cases, the kidneys can become detached and drift lower, leading to pathological results, known as nephroptosis or "floating kidney".

The Renal Parenchyma

• The renal parenchyma appears C-shaped in frontal section and produces urine.
• It encircles a medial cavity, the renal sinus, which contains blood and lymphatic vessels, nerves, and urine-collecting structures.
• Adipose tissue fills the remaining space in the sinus, holding the structures in place.

Learn about the fibrous capsule, collagen fibers, renal fascia, and peritoneum that make up the kidney structure and how it functions. Understand how the kidneys are suspended and protected.