Summary

This document provides a detailed overview of the urinary system, beginning with gross anatomy. It covers the functions of kidneys, anatomy of ureters, the urinary bladder, associated blood vessels, and neural connections.

Full Transcript

‭I. GROSS ANATOMY OF THE URINARY SYSTEM‬ ‭Parts of the Urinary System‬ ‭Kidneys‬ ‭‬ ‭Description:‬ ‭1.‬ ‭Paired organs responsible for‬‭filtration‬‭of blood‬‭to form urine.‬ ‭2.‬ ‭Located retroperitoneally on either side of the vertebral column.‬ ‭‬ ‭Functions:‬...

‭I. GROSS ANATOMY OF THE URINARY SYSTEM‬ ‭Parts of the Urinary System‬ ‭Kidneys‬ ‭‬ ‭Description:‬ ‭1.‬ ‭Paired organs responsible for‬‭filtration‬‭of blood‬‭to form urine.‬ ‭2.‬ ‭Located retroperitoneally on either side of the vertebral column.‬ ‭‬ ‭Functions:‬ ‭1.‬ ‭Filter blood‬‭to remove:‬ ‭‬ ‭Excess water‬ ‭‬ ‭Salts‬ ‭‬ ‭Wastes of protein metabolism‬ ‭2.‬ ‭Return nutrients and chemicals‬‭to the‬‭blood.‬ ‭3.‬ ‭Play a critical role in maintaining‬‭homeostasis‬‭,‬‭including:‬ ‭‬ ‭Electrolyte balance‬ ‭‬ ‭Blood pressure regulation‬ ‭‬ ‭Acid-base balance‬ ‭Urinary Passages‬ ‭1.‬ ‭Ureters‬ ‭○‬ ‭Description:‬ ‭‬ ‭Long‬‭muscular tubes‬‭(approximately‬‭25-30 cm in length).‬ ‭‬ ‭Transport urine from the‬‭renal pelvis‬‭of the kidneys to the urinary‬ ‭bladder.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Mechanism:‬ ‭‬ ‭Peristaltic waves propel urine towards the bladder.‬ ‭2.‬ ‭Urinary Bladder‬ ‭○‬ ‭Description:‬ ‭‬ ‭A‬‭hollow viscus‬‭with‬‭strong muscular‬‭walls‬‭(detrusor muscle).‬ ‭‬ ‭Temporarily stores urine until voiding.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Capacity:‬ ‭‬ ‭Can expand significantly due to its distensibility.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Location:‬ ‭‬ ‭Empty state: Lies in the‬‭lesser pelvis‬‭.‬ ‭‬ ‭Filled state: Can ascend into the‬‭abdominal cavity‬‭.‬ ‭3.‬ ‭Urethra‬ ‭○‬ ‭Description:‬ ‭‬ ‭A passageway for the excretion of urine from the bladder to the external‬ ‭environment.‬ ‭‬ ‭Length varies by sex:‬ ‭‬ ‭Males: ~18-20 cm (also serves as a passage for semen).‬ ‭‬ ‭Females: ~4 cm.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Function:‬ ‭‬ ‭Facilitates the act of‬‭micturition (urine voiding)‬‭.‬ ‭Functions of the Urinary System‬ ‭A. Excretory Function‬ ‭‬ ‭Filtration and Excretion of Metabolic Wastes:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Removes nitrogenous wastes (e.g., urea, creatinine) and other metabolic‬ ‭byproducts.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Ensures the elimination of toxins and waste products through urine.‬ ‭B. Maintenance of Body Homeostasis‬ ‭1.‬ ‭Acid-Base Balance:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Regulates blood pH by excreting hydrogen ions (H⁺) and reabsorbing‬ ‭bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻).‬ ‭2.‬ ‭Fluid Balance:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Maintains normal body fluid levels by:‬ ‭‬ ‭Eliminating excess water‬‭when hydration is high.‬ ‭‬ ‭Conserving water‬‭during dehydration.‬ ‭3.‬ ‭Electrolyte Balance:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Adjusts the reabsorption and excretion of essential ions like sodium (Na⁺),‬ ‭potassium (K⁺), and calcium (Ca²⁺).‬ ‭C. Endocrine Function‬ ‭1.‬ ‭Erythropoietin (EPO):‬ ‭○‬ ‭Stimulates the production of‬‭red blood cells (erythrocytes)‬‭in the bone marrow.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Released in response to‬‭low oxygen levels‬‭in the blood.‬ ‭2.‬ ‭Renin:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Plays a role in the‬‭Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone‬‭System (RAAS):‬ ‭‬ ‭Regulates‬‭blood pressure‬‭by:‬ ‭‬ ‭Controlling blood volume.‬ ‭‬ ‭Increasing vasoconstriction.‬ ‭3.‬ ‭Activation of Vitamin D:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Converts inactive Vitamin D into‬‭calcitriol‬‭, aiding‬‭in:‬ ‭‬ ‭Calcium absorption.‬ ‭‬ ‭Bone health.‬ ‭D. Reproductive Function‬ ‭‬ ‭Male Urethra:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Dual function:‬ ‭1.‬ ‭Passageway for‬‭urine excretion‬‭.‬ ‭2.‬ ‭Serves as a conduit for‬‭semen transport‬‭during ejaculation.‬ ‭I. GROSS ANATOMY OF THE KIDNEYS‬ ‭Surface Anatomy of the Kidneys‬ ‭General Characteristics‬ ‭‬ ‭Shape:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Paired,‬‭bean-shaped‬‭, and ovoid.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Lateral Surface:‬‭Convex.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Medial Surface:‬‭Concave, containing the‬‭renal hilum‬‭(entry for renal vessels,‬ ‭nerves, and ureter).‬ ‭‬ ‭Position:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Retroperitoneal‬‭: Located on the posterior abdominal wall, behind the‬ ‭peritoneum on either side of the vertebral column‬ ‭Dimensions of Each Kidney‬ ‭‬ ‭Weight:‬‭120–170 g.‬ ‭‬ ‭ ength:‬‭10–12 cm.‬ L ‭‬ ‭Width:‬‭5–6 cm.‬ ‭‬ ‭Thickness (Anteroposterior):‬‭2.5–3 cm.‬ ‭Vertebral Level‬ ‭‬ S ‭ pans‬‭T12 to L3‬‭vertebrae in the‬‭erect position‬‭.‬ ‭‬ ‭Right kidney‬‭is slightly lower than the left due to‬‭the liver.‬ ‭Positional Changes‬ ‭‬ ‭The‬‭kidneys move‬‭during respiration and posture changes:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Shift‬‭2–3 cm vertically‬‭with diaphragm movements during‬‭deep breathing.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Inferior pole of the right kidney lies a‬‭finger's‬‭breadth superior‬‭to the iliac‬ ‭crest.‬ ‭Clinical Correlation‬ ‭‬ T ‭ he‬‭retroperitoneal location‬‭makes the kidneys vulnerable to trauma.‬ ‭‬ ‭Respiratory movement‬‭allows palpation of the kidney‬‭during a deep breath (especially‬ ‭in thin individuals).‬ ‭‬ ‭The‬‭right kidney's lower position‬‭increases its risk for exposure during abdominal‬ ‭surgery.‬ ‭PRINCIPAL RELATIONS OF THE KIDNEYS‬ ‭ANTERIOR RELATIONS‬ ‭‬ ‭General Overview‬ ‭○‬ ‭The‬‭principal anterior relationship‬‭of the kidneys‬‭is with‬‭abdominal viscera‬ ‭and‬‭mesenteries‬‭.‬ ‭○‬ ‭The‬‭suprarenal glands‬‭cap the kidneys superomedially,‬‭with the‬‭right‬ ‭suprarenal gland‬‭being‬‭pyramidal-shaped‬‭and the‬‭left‬‭suprarenal gland‬ ‭being‬‭crescent-shaped‬‭.‬ ‭RIGHT KIDNEY‬ ‭1.‬ ‭Medial Relations‬ ‭○‬ ‭Descending part of the duodenum.‬ ‭2.‬ ‭Lateral Relations‬ ‭○‬ ‭Ascending colon.‬ ‭3.‬ ‭Superior Contact‬ ‭○‬ ‭Right colic flexure (hepatic flexure).‬ ‭○‬ ‭Upper 1/3 of the kidney:‬‭in contact with the‬‭liver.‬ ‭4.‬ ‭Peritoneal vs. Retroperitoneal Relations‬ ‭○‬ ‭The‬‭anterior surface‬‭of the right kidney is covered‬‭by‬‭peritoneum‬‭where it‬ ‭relates to the‬‭liver‬‭and other‬‭intraperitoneal organs.‬ ‭○‬ ‭The area where the kidney contacts the‬‭duodenum, suprarenal‬‭gland, and‬ ‭colonic structures‬‭lacks peritoneum, indicating‬‭retroperitoneal‬‭zones.‬ ‭LEFT KIDNEY‬ ‭1.‬ ‭Medial Relations‬ ‭○‬ ‭Tail of the pancreas.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Spleen.‬ ‭2.‬ ‭Superior Contact‬ ‭○‬ ‭Left colic flexure (splenic flexure).‬ ‭○‬ ‭Descending colon.‬ ‭3.‬ ‭Peritoneal vs. Retroperitoneal Relations‬ ‭○‬ ‭The‬‭anterior surface‬‭of the left kidney relates to‬‭intraperitoneal organs‬‭such‬ ‭as the‬‭stomach, jejunum, ileum, spleen, and pancreas‬‭where the peritoneum is‬ ‭present.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Areas in contact with the‬‭descending colon, suprarenal‬‭gland, and colonic‬ ‭flexure‬‭lack peritoneal coverage, representing‬‭retroperitoneal‬‭zones.‬ ‭SUPEROMEDIAL CAPS‬ ‭‬ R ‭ ight Kidney:‬‭Capped by the‬‭right suprarenal gland‬‭(pyramidal-shaped).‬ ‭‬ ‭Left Kidney:‬‭Capped by the‬‭left suprarenal gland‬‭(crescent-shaped).‬ ‭INTRAPERITONEAL VS. RETROPERITONEAL RELATIONS‬ ‭1.‬ ‭Intraperitoneal Organs:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Liver‬ ‭○‬ ‭Jejunum‬ ‭○‬ ‭Ileum‬ ‭○‬ ‭Stomach‬ ‭○‬ ‭Pancreas (partly intraperitoneal)‬ ‭2.‬ ‭Retroperitoneal Organs:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Suprarenal glands.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Descending duodenum.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Descending colon.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Right and left colic flexures.‬ ‭POSTERIOR RELATIONS OF THE KIDNEY‬ ‭GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS‬ ‭‬ T ‭ he‬‭kidneys‬‭are‬‭retroperitoneal organs‬‭that primarily rest on the‬‭posterior‬ ‭abdominal wall muscles.‬ ‭‬ ‭Their‬‭posterior relations‬‭involve structural and neurovascular‬‭elements that contribute‬ ‭to the kidney's‬‭anatomical bed.‬ ‭UPPER 1/3 OF THE KIDNEY‬ ‭‬ ‭Lies on the following structures:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Arcuate ligament of the diaphragm.‬ ‭○‬ ‭11th and 12th ribs‬‭(protection from trauma).‬ ‭LOWER 2/3 OF THE KIDNEY‬ ‭‬ ‭Lies on the following structures:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Quadratus lumborum muscle:‬ ‭‬ ‭Forms a‬‭large portion‬‭of the kidney's posterior bed.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Medial (concave) side:‬ ‭‬ ‭Related to the‬‭psoas major muscle.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Lateral (convex) side:‬ ‭‬ ‭Associated with the‬‭aponeurosis of the transversus‬‭abdominis muscle.‬ ‭‬ ‭This aponeurosis contributes to the‬‭remaining portion‬‭of the kidney's‬ ‭posterior bed.‬ ‭NEUROVASCULAR RELATIONS‬ ‭‬ T ‭ hree major nerves‬‭cross diagonally on the posterior surface of the kidney as they‬ ‭pass over the‬‭psoas muscle:‬ ‭1.‬ ‭Subcostal nerve (12th intercostal nerve)‬‭and vessels.‬ ‭2.‬ ‭Iliohypogastric nerve.‬ ‭3.‬ ‭Ilioinguinal nerve.‬ ‭The three key nerves at risk during flank incisions for kidney surgery are:‬ ‭.‬ S 1 ‭ ubcostal nerve (T12)‬ ‭2.‬ ‭Iliohypogastric nerve (L1)‬ ‭3.‬ ‭Ilioinguinal nerve (L1)‬ ‭Clinical Relevance:‬ ‭‬ T ‭ hese nerves run along the posterior abdominal wall near the‬‭quadratus lumborum‬ ‭and‬‭psoas major‬‭muscles, making them susceptible to‬‭injury.‬ ‭‬ ‭Damage to these nerves‬‭can cause‬‭sensory deficits‬‭in the lower abdomen, groin, and‬ ‭upper thigh, as well as‬‭weakness in abdominal wall‬‭muscles‬‭, potentially leading to‬ ‭hernia formation‬‭.‬ ‭‬ ‭The‬‭standard flank incision‬‭(such as the‬‭lumbodorsal‬‭or subcostal incision‬‭) provides‬ ‭direct access to the kidney‬‭while‬‭avoiding entry into‬‭the peritoneal cavity‬‭, reducing‬ ‭the risk of‬‭bowel injury and adhesions‬‭.‬ ‭‬ ‭The‬‭posterolateral approach‬‭allows access to the kidney‬‭with minimal disruption of‬ ‭abdominal organs.‬ ‭Key Anatomical Relations of the Kidney‬ ‭1 External Features of the Kidney‬ ‭Each kidney has:‬ ‭‬ S ‭ urfaces‬‭→‬‭Anterior‬‭(related to abdominal organs)‬‭&‬‭Posterior‬‭(related to muscles,‬ ‭nerves)‬ ‭‬ ‭Margins‬‭→‬‭Medial‬‭(contains hilum) &‬‭Lateral‬‭(convex)‬ ‭‬ ‭Poles‬‭→‬‭Superior‬‭(near adrenal gland) &‬‭Inferior‬ ‭2 Oblique Orientation‬ ‭‬ T ‭ he‬‭lumbar vertebral column‬‭protrudes into the abdominal cavity, causing the‬ ‭kidneys to be positioned‬‭obliquely‬‭rather than perfectly‬‭vertical.‬ ‭‬ ‭This means‬‭the superior pole is closer to the midline‬‭than the inferior pole.‬ ‭3 Radiographic Considerations‬ ‭‬ I ‭ n‬‭anterior views (AP radiographs)‬‭, the kidney’s‬‭transverse diameter appears‬ ‭foreshortened‬‭due to its oblique placement.‬ ‭‬ ‭The‬‭superior poles‬‭are‬‭closer to the midline than the‬‭inferior poles‬‭,‬‭creating an‬‭angled‬ ‭orientation‬‭rather than a flat, frontal projection.‬ ‭‬ ‭The‬‭hilum‬‭faces anteromedially, affecting its visibility in imaging.‬ ‭Renal Coverings & Clinical Correlation‬ ‭ he kidneys are enclosed in layers of fascia and fat, which serve as protection, support, and‬ T ‭insulation.‬ ‭1. Layers from Deep to Superficial‬ ‭.‬ K 1 ‭ idney‬ ‭2.‬ ‭Renal Capsule‬‭– Fibrous connective tissue directly‬‭covering the kidney‬ ‭3.‬ ‭Perirenal (Perinephric) Fat‬‭– Fat surrounding the‬‭kidney and extending into the renal‬ ‭sinus‬ ‭4.‬ ‭Renal Fascia (Gerota’s Fascia)‬‭– Fibrous membrane‬‭enclosing the kidney, suprarenal‬ ‭glands, and perinephric fat‬ ‭○‬ ‭Consists of‬‭anterior and posterior layers‬ ‭○‬ ‭Encloses the kidneys, suprarenal glands, and perinephric fat‬ ‭5.‬ ‭Pararenal (Paranephric) Fat‬‭– Fat outside the renal‬‭fascia, mainly posterior‬ ‭2. Functions of Each Layer‬ ‭Renal Capsule‬ ‭‬ ‭ irm fibrous connective tissue covering the kidney.‬ F ‭‬ ‭Provides structural support to the renal parenchyma.‬ ‭‬ ‭In a normal person, it can be easily stripped off.‬ ‭‬ ‭In cadaveric kidneys, it adheres firmly to the renal parenchyma.‬ ‭Perirenal (Perinephric) Fat‬ ‭‬ F ‭ atty tissue immediately outside the renal capsule.‬ ‭‬ ‭Surrounds the kidney and extends into the renal sinus, cushioning the renal vessels.‬ ‭Renal Fascia (Gerota’s Fascia)‬ ‭‬ ‭Membranous condensation of extraperitoneal fascia.‬ ‭‬ ‭ lends with the vascular sheath of the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava.‬ B ‭‬ ‭Encloses the kidneys, suprarenal glands, and perinephric fat.‬ ‭‬ ‭Separated from the suprarenal glands by a thin septum.‬ ‭Attachments of the Renal Fascia:‬ ‭‬ ‭Superiorly:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Anterior and posterior layers fuse and are continuous with the diaphragmatic‬ ‭fascia.‬ ‭○‬ ‭This secures the kidney and suprarenal glands, with the‬‭suprarenal gland‬ ‭primarily attached to the diaphragm‬‭.‬ ‭‬ ‭Laterally:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Fuses with the transversalis fascia.‬ ‭‬ ‭Medially:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Continues as the sheath for renal vessels, blending with their vascular sheaths.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Prevents fluid from spreading to the contralateral side.‬ ‭‬ ‭Inferiorly:‬ ‭○‬ ‭The anterior and posterior layers are‬‭loosely attached‬‭and do not fuse.‬ ‭○‬ ‭The‬‭perinephric space‬‭between these layers narrows‬‭inferiorly and medially,‬ ‭eventually joining the‬‭iliac fascia‬‭.‬ ‭○‬ ‭The‬‭inferomedial angle of the perinephric space‬‭is‬‭its‬‭weakest point‬‭, allowing‬ ‭fluid collection to extend into the pelvis.‬ ‭Pararenal (Paranephric) Fat‬ ‭‬ L ‭ ocated external to the renal fascia.‬ ‭‬ ‭Derived from extraperitoneal fat in the lumbar region.‬ ‭‬ ‭Accumulates‬‭posterior and posterolateral‬‭to the kidney.‬ ‭3. Clinical Correlation‬ ‭‬ T ‭ he‬‭attachments of the renal fascia‬‭determine the possible‬‭spread of infections,‬ ‭blood, or fluid‬‭around the kidney.‬ ‭‬ ‭Perinephric abscesses or pus‬‭from one kidney‬‭cannot‬‭cross to the opposite kidney‬ ‭due to the‬‭fusion of the renal fascia with the vascular‬‭sheath medially‬‭.‬ ‭‬ ‭However, due to the‬‭loose inferior attachment‬‭, perinephric‬‭abscesses‬‭can extend into‬ ‭the pelvis‬‭.‬ ‭Parts of the Kidney‬ ‭ he kidneys are‬‭ovoid-shaped organs‬‭with a‬‭convex‬‭lateral border‬‭and a‬‭concave medial‬ T ‭border‬‭where the‬‭renal hilum‬‭is located.‬ ‭1. Renal Hilum and Sinus‬ ‭‬ R ‭ enal Hilum‬‭: A‬‭deep vertical slit‬‭at the medial border leading to the‬‭renal sinus‬‭.‬ ‭‬ ‭Renal Sinus‬‭: A cavity surrounded by‬‭perinephric fat‬‭containing:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Renal vessels‬‭(arteries and veins)‬ ‭○‬ ‭Lymphatic vessels‬ ‭○‬ ‭Nerves‬ ‭Arrangement of structures at the hilum (anterior to posterior):‬ ‭.‬ R 1 ‭ enal vein‬‭(most anterior)‬ ‭2.‬ ‭Two renal segmental arteries‬ ‭3.‬ ‭Renal pelvis/Ureter‬‭(most posterior)‬ ‭2. Renal Cortex‬ ‭‬ O ‭ uter region‬‭of the kidney, consisting of a‬‭continuous band of brownish tissue‬ ‭surrounding the renal medulla.‬ ‭‬ ‭Includes:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Renal Columns (of Bertin)‬‭: Extensions of cortical‬‭tissue between medullary‬ ‭pyramids, dividing the renal medulla.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Medullary Rays‬‭: Cortical radiations appearing as striations‬‭that extend into the‬ ‭medulla.‬ ‭‬ ‭Note‬‭: The name is a misnomer, as these structures‬‭originate in the‬ ‭cortex and extend toward the medulla.‬ ‭3. Renal Medulla‬ ‭‬ I ‭ nner region‬‭of the kidney, made up of‬‭6-10 conical-shaped renal pyramids‬‭.‬ ‭‬ ‭Each‬‭renal lobe‬‭consists of a‬‭renal pyramid‬‭and its‬‭associated‬‭cortical tissue (at its‬ ‭base and sides)‬‭.‬ ‭Key Structures of the Medulla:‬ ‭‬ ‭Renal Pyramid‬ ‭○‬ ‭Apex‬‭: Also called the‬‭renal papilla‬‭, where filtrate‬‭exits.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Base‬‭: Faces the‬‭cortex‬‭and is associated with‬‭medullary‬‭rays‬‭.‬ ‭‬ ‭Area Cribrosa‬ ‭○‬ ‭Small‬‭perforated openings‬‭at the‬‭renal papilla‬‭, allowing‬‭urine passage into the‬ ‭minor calyx.‬ ‭4. Renal Calyces and Pelvis‬ ‭‬ ‭Minor Calyx‬‭:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Cups the renal papilla‬‭to collect urine.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Several minor calyces‬‭merge‬‭to form a‬‭major calyx‬‭.‬ ‭‬ ‭Major Calyx‬‭:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Formed by the‬‭union of 2-3 minor calyces‬‭.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Merges to form the‬‭renal pelvis‬‭.‬ ‭‬ ‭Renal Pelvis‬‭:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Funnel-shaped‬‭structure at the superior end of the‬‭ureter‬‭.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Urine passes from the renal pelvis → ureter → bladder → urethra for excretion.‬ ‭Embryology of the Kidney‬ ‭‬ ‭Fetal and Newborn Stage:‬ ‭○‬ ‭The‬‭renal lobes‬‭are distinctly outlined on the kidney’s‬‭surface.‬ ‭○‬ ‭In‬‭newborns and infants‬‭, the kidneys appear‬‭lobulated‬‭on X-rays due to the‬ ‭protrusion of renal lobes‬‭.‬ ‭‬ ‭Adult Stage:‬ ‭‬ ○ ‭ he renal lobes‬‭fuse‬‭over time, resulting in a‬‭smooth kidney surface‬‭.‬ T ‭○‬ ‭The lobulated appearance‬‭disappears during puberty‬‭as the lobes flatten.‬ ‭ ‬ ‭Renal Lobe Composition:‬ ‭○‬ ‭1 renal pyramid + its surrounding cortex‬‭=‬‭1 renal lobe‬ ‭Arterial Supply of the Kidneys‬ ‭. Arrangement of Structures at the Renal Hilum (Anterior to‬ 1 ‭Posterior) - "VAUA" Mnemonic:‬ ‭.‬ 1 ‭ enal Vein‬ R ‭2.‬ ‭Renal Artery‬ ‭3.‬ ‭Ureter‬ ‭4.‬ ‭Segmental Artery‬ ‭2. Renal Arteries‬ ‭‬ M ‭ ain arterial supply of the kidneys‬ ‭‬ ‭Branches of the abdominal aorta‬‭, arising at the level‬‭of‬‭L1-L2‬‭, just inferior to the‬ ‭superior mesenteric artery‬ ‭‬ ‭Right Renal Artery‬ ‭○‬ ‭Longer‬‭than the left renal artery‬ ‭○‬ ‭Passes‬‭posterior to the inferior vena cava (IVC)‬ ‭‬ ‭Left Renal Artery‬ ‭○‬ ‭Arises slightly higher‬‭than the right renal artery‬ ‭3. Segmental Arteries‬ ‭‬ N ‭ ear the‬‭renal hilum‬‭, each‬‭renal artery divides into five segmental arteries‬‭, each‬ ‭supplying a different kidney segment:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Apical (Superior) Segmental Artery‬ ‭○‬ ‭Anterosuperior Segmental Artery‬ ‭○‬ ‭Anteroinferior Segmental Artery‬ ‭○‬ ‭Posterior Segmental Artery‬ ‭○‬ ‭Inferior Segmental Artery‬ ‭‬ ‭Segmental arteries are end arteries‬‭, meaning:‬ ‭○‬ ‭They do‬‭not anastomose significantly‬‭with each other.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Each artery‬‭supplies a specific, independent segment‬‭of the kidney‬‭.‬ ‭4. Clinical Correlation: Partial Nephrectomy‬ ‭‬ P ‭ artial nephrectomy‬‭is a surgical procedure where a‬‭diseased kidney segment is‬ ‭removed‬‭while preserving the remaining viable kidney‬‭tissue.‬ ‭‬ ‭This is possible due to the‬‭lack of significant anastomosis‬‭between segmental‬ ‭arteries‬‭, allowing‬‭each segment to function independently‬‭.‬ ‭Venous Drainage of the Kidneys‬ ‭1. Venous Drainage Pathway‬ ‭‬ F ‭ ollows the course of the arterial supply‬ ‭‬ ‭Drains directly into the inferior vena cava (IVC)‬ ‭‬ ‭Major veins involved:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Right Renal Vein‬‭→ Drains directly into the IVC‬ ‭○‬ ‭Left Renal Vein‬ ‭‬ ‭Three times longer‬‭than the right renal vein‬ ‭‬ ‭Crosses the midline‬‭, passing‬‭between the superior‬‭mesenteric artery‬ ‭(SMA) and the abdominal aorta‬‭before draining into‬‭the IVC‬ ‭‬ ‭Receives tributaries from:‬ ‭1.‬ ‭Inferior phrenic vein‬ ‭2.‬ ‭Left suprarenal vein‬ ‭3.‬ ‭Left gonadal vein‬ ‭‬ ‭Male:‬‭Left testicular vein‬ ‭‬ ‭Female:‬‭Left ovarian vein‬ ‭4.‬ ‭Left ascending lumbar vein‬ ‭2. Lymphatic Drainage‬ ‭‬ ‭Aortic (para-aortic) and caval (paracaval) lymph nodes‬ ‭. Clinical Correlation: Renal Vein Entrapment Syndrome (Nutcracker‬ 3 ‭Syndrome)‬ ‭‬ ‭Cause:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Compression of the‬‭left renal vein‬‭due to‬‭downward‬‭traction of the superior‬ ‭mesenteric artery (SMA)‬ ‭○‬ ‭Often secondary to‬‭tumors or aortic aneurysm‬ ‭‬ ‭Clinical Manifestations:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Nausea & vomiting‬ ‭○‬ ‭Hematuria / Proteinuria‬‭(due to venous congestion)‬ ‭○‬ ‭Left abdominal flank pain‬ ‭○‬ ‭Left testicular pain‬‭(‭l‬eft-sided varicocele‬‭)‬ ‭‬ ‭Diagnosis:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Ultrasound‬ ‭○‬ ‭CT scan‬ ‭Innervation of the Kidneys‬ ‭1. Renal Nerve Plexus‬ ‭‬ P ‭ rimary nerve supply of the kidneys‬ ‭‬ ‭Consists of‬‭sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers‬ ‭‬ ‭Derived from:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Abdominopelvic splanchnic nerves‬ ‭‬ ‭Lesser splanchnic nerve‬‭(T10-T11)‬ ‭‬ ‭Least splanchnic nerve‬‭(T12)‬ ‭○‬ ‭Celiac ganglion and plexus‬ ‭○‬ ‭Aorticorenal ganglion‬ ‭2. Functional Role of Renal Nerve Plexus‬ ‭‬ ‭In‬‭direct contact‬‭with:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Renal vasculature‬ ‭○‬ ‭Renal tubules‬ ‭○‬ ‭Juxtaglomerular cells‬ ‭‬ ‭Plays a crucial role in‬‭regulating systemic blood‬‭pressure‬ ‭3. Effects of Sympathetic Stimulation‬ ‭.‬ D 1 ‭ ecreases renal blood flow (RBF)‬‭→ By causing vasoconstriction‬ ‭2.‬ ‭Decreases glomerular filtration rate (GFR)‬‭→ By reducing‬‭perfusion pressure‬ ‭3.‬ ‭Increases sodium and water reabsorption‬‭→ By enhancing‬‭proximal tubule and loop‬ ‭of Henle function‬ ‭4.‬ ‭Stimulates renin release‬‭→ From‬‭juxtaglomerular cells‬‭,‬‭leading to activation of the‬ ‭renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)‬ ‭III. URETERS‬ ‭Ureters‬ ‭1. Overview‬ ‭‬ ‭ aired muscular tubes‬ P ‭‬ ‭Retroperitoneal‬‭(like the kidneys)‬ ‭‬ ‭Length:‬‭25-30 cm‬ ‭‬ ‭Thick-walled and narrow‬ ‭‬ ‭Function:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Peristaltic contractions‬‭propel urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder‬ ‭2. Course of the Ureters‬ ‭‬ ‭ riginate at the renal pelvis (hilum of the kidney)‬ O ‭‬ ‭Run inferiorly‬‭towards the abdomen‬ ‭‬ ‭Cross over the pelvic brim‬‭at the bifurcation of the‬‭common iliac arteries‬ ‭‬ ‭Continue along the lateral wall of the pelvis‬ ‭‬ ‭Enter the urinary bladder‬‭obliquely‬ ‭3. Superior and Inferior Relations‬ ‭‬ S ‭ uperiorly:‬‭Begins as the‬‭funnel-shaped renal pelvis‬ ‭‬ ‭Inferiorly:‬‭Becomes continuous with the‬‭urinary bladder‬ ‭4. Parts of the Ureter‬ ‭.‬ 1 ‭ enal Pelvis‬‭– Expanded funnel-shaped origin in the kidney‬ R ‭2.‬ ‭Abdominal/False Ureter‬‭– Located in the abdominal‬‭cavity‬ ‭3.‬ ‭Pelvic/True Ureter‬‭– Located in the pelvic cavity‬ ‭4.‬ ‭Intravesical Ureter‬‭– Terminal part that penetrates the urinary bladder wall‬ ‭Ureteric Relations‬ ‭1. Abdominal Ureter‬ ‭‬ ‭Location:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Descends‬‭retroperitoneally‬‭along the‬‭middle aspect‬‭of the psoas major‬ ‭muscle‬ ‭‬ ‭Blood Vessel Relations:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Right ureter:‬‭Lies‬‭lateral to the IVC‬ ‭○‬ ‭Left ureter:‬‭Lies‬‭lateral to the abdominal aorta‬ ‭○‬ ‭Gonadal vessels (testicular or ovarian arteries and veins)‬‭cross over‬‭the‬ ‭ureter‬ ‭2. Pelvic Ureter‬ ‭‬ ‭Course:‬ ‭○‬ P ‭ asses‬‭over the common iliac artery‬‭or‬‭the beginning of the external iliac‬ ‭artery‬ ‭○‬ ‭Enters the‬‭pelvic ring‬‭, transitioning into the‬‭pelvic‬‭ureter‬ ‭3. Intravesical Ureter‬ ‭‬ ‭Course:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Runs‬‭parallel to the internal iliac arteries‬ ‭○‬ ‭Passes through the‬‭muscular wall of the bladder‬‭in‬‭an‬‭inferomedial direction‬ ‭Clinical Significance‬ ‭‬ ‭Surgical importance:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Care must be taken‬‭not to retract the abdominal ureter‬‭laterally‬‭to‬‭prevent‬ ‭damage‬‭to its fragile small vessels‬ ‭Male and Female Ureteric Relations‬ ‭Female Ureter‬ ‭‬ ‭Course:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Passes‬‭under the uterine vessels‬ ‭○‬ ‭Located‬‭near the isthmus of the uterus‬‭as it enters‬‭the bladder‬ ‭‬ ‭Clinical Significance:‬ ‭○‬ ‭During hysterectomy (uterus removal),‬‭the‬‭ureter is‬‭at risk of accidental‬ ‭injury‬‭due to its close relationship with the‬‭uterine‬‭artery‬ ‭○‬ ‭The‬‭uterine artery may be mistakenly ligated along‬‭with the ureter‬ ‭‬ ‭Mnemonic: "Water Under The Bridge"‬ ‭○‬ ‭Water‬‭→ Ureter (carries urine)‬ ‭○‬ ‭Bridge‬‭→ Uterine vessels (which pass over the ureter)‬ ‭○‬ ‭Gonadal vessels‬‭also act as a bridge over the abdominal‬‭ureter‬ ‭Male Ureter‬ ‭‬ ‭Course:‬ ‭○‬ ‭The‬‭vas deferens (ductus deferens) crosses superior‬‭to the ureter‬ ‭○‬ ‭This occurs‬‭at the posterolateral angle of the bladder‬ ‭B. Neurovasculature of the Ureters‬ ‭1. Arterial Supply of the Ureters‬ ‭Abdominal Portion‬ ‭‬ M ‭ ain Supply:‬‭Renal arteries‬‭(constant)‬ ‭‬ ‭Additional branches (Medial Longitudinal Anastomosis):‬ ‭○‬ ‭Gonadal arteries‬ ‭○‬ ‭Abdominal aorta‬ ‭Pelvic Portion‬ ‭‬ ‭Main Supply:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Common iliac arteries‬ ‭○‬ ‭Internal iliac arteries‬ ‭‬ ‭Distal Ureter Supply:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Superior and Inferior Vesical Arteries‬‭(branches of‬‭internal iliac)‬ ‭○‬ ‭Inferior Vesical Artery:‬‭Consistently supplies the‬‭distal ureter‬ 💡 ‭ ‬‭Surgical Consideration:‬ ‭‬ T ‭ he arteries supplying the ureters are located‬‭medially‬‭and form‬‭ascending and‬ ‭descending branches‬‭, creating a‬‭longitudinal anastomosis‬‭along the ureteric wall.‬ ‭‬ ‭Avoid lateral retraction of the ureter‬‭during surgery,‬‭as this may‬‭disrupt delicate‬ ‭arterial branches‬‭and cause‬‭ischemia‬‭.‬ ‭2. Venous Drainage of the Ureters‬ ‭‬ ‭Abdominal Ureter:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Drains into‬‭renal and gonadal veins‬ ‭3. Innervation of the Ureters‬ ‭Nerve Plexuses Involved:‬ ‭‬ ‭ enal plexus‬‭(upper part)‬ R ‭‬ ‭Abdominal aortic plexus‬ ‭‬ ‭Superior hypogastric plexus & hypogastric nerve‬‭(intermediate‬‭part)‬ ‭‬ ‭Inferior hypogastric plexus‬‭(lower part)‬ ‭Visceral Afferent Pain Fibers‬ ‭‬ U ‭ reteric pain follows‬‭T11 - L2 spinal segments‬ ‭‬ ‭Referred pain:‬‭From the‬‭loin to the groin‬‭(along dermatomes‬‭supplied by T11 - L2)‬ 💡 ‭ ‬‭Pain Pathway Explanation:‬ ‭‬ E ‭ xcessive dilation or‬‭spasm of the ureter‬‭(e.g., due‬‭to‬‭ureteric calculi‬‭) causes‬ ‭intermittent, severe pain‬ ‭‬ ‭Referred pain areas:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Ipsilateral lower quadrant‬‭of the abdomen‬ ‭○‬ ‭Lumbar region‬ ‭○‬ ‭Groin area‬ ‭○‬ ‭Anterior proximal thigh‬ ‭○‬ ‭Scrotum (males) / Labia majora (females)‬ ‭‬ ‭Reason for referred pain:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Sensory inputs from both the‬‭skin (higher regions)‬‭and‬‭ureter (lower regions)‬ ‭converge at the same spinal level‬‭, leading to misinterpretation‬‭of pain‬ ‭location.‬ ‭4. Lymphatic Drainage of the Ureters‬ ‭Ureteric Part‬ ‭Primary Lymph Nodes‬ ‭Superior‬ ‭Lumbar nodes‬ ‭Middle‬ ‭Common iliac nodes‬ ‭Inferior‬ ‭Common, external, and internal iliac nodes‬ ‭Note:‬ ‭‬ L ‭ ymphatic vessels from the‬‭kidney and upper ureter‬‭may drain‬‭directly into lumbar‬ ‭nodes near the origin of the gonadal artery‬‭.‬ ‭. Clinical Correlation: Ureterolithiasis (Ureteric‬ 5 ‭Calculi)‬ ‭‬ ‭Pathophysiology:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Stones get‬‭trapped at ureteric constrictions‬‭, leading to‬‭distention and‬ ‭obstruction‬ ‭○‬ ‭Causes‬‭rhythmic, sharp pain‬‭(ureteric colic)‬ ‭‬ ‭Pain Distribution (Referred Pain):‬ ‭○‬ ‭Sensory fibers travel to‬‭T11 - L2 spinal levels‬‭, so‬‭pain is felt‬‭from the loin to‬ ‭the groin‬ ‭○‬ ‭Dermatomes affected:‬ ‭‬ ‭Ipsilateral lower abdomen‬ ‭‬ ‭Groin & proximal thigh‬ ‭‬ ‭Scrotum (males) / Labia majora (females)‬ ‭‬ ‭Confirmatory Diagnosis:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Ultrasound‬ ‭○‬ ‭CT Scan‬ ‭Key Takeaways‬ ✅ ‬‭Arteries run medially; avoid lateral traction during surgery‬ ‭ ✅ ‬‭Pain from ureteric stones follows T11-L2 ("loin‬‭to groin")‬ ‭ ✅ ‬‭Distal ureter is consistently supplied by the inferior‬‭vesical artery‬ ‭ ✅ ‬‭Lymphatic drainage varies based on ureteric level‬ ‭ ‭Ureteric Constrictions and Clinical Relevance‬ ‭ he‬‭ureter‬‭is a muscular tube that transports urine‬‭from the‬‭renal pelvis‬‭to the‬‭urinary‬ T ‭bladder‬‭via‬‭peristalsis‬‭. Along its course, the ureter‬‭has‬‭three anatomical constrictions‬‭, which‬ ‭are‬‭common sites for ureteric stone obstruction‬‭. These‬‭constrictions are particularly‬ ‭important in‬‭radiographic imaging and clinical diagnosis‬‭.‬ ‭Three Anatomical Constrictions of the Ureter‬ ‭ hese narrow regions can be‬‭visualized using contrast‬‭studies‬‭and are sites where‬‭ureteric‬ T ‭calculi (stones)‬‭are more likely to become‬‭impacted‬‭.‬ ‭1.‬ ‭Ureteropelvic Junction (UPJ)‬ ‭○‬ ‭Location: The transition between the‬‭renal pelvis‬‭and the‬‭proximal ureter‬‭.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Significance: The renal pelvis is wider, and this‬‭sudden narrowing‬‭can hinder‬ ‭the passage of larger stones.‬ ‭2.‬ ‭Pelvic Brim‬ ‭○‬ ‭Location: Where the ureter crosses the‬‭external iliac‬‭artery‬‭at the level of the‬ ‭pelvic inlet‬‭.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Significance: The ureter must pass over the bony structure of the pelvic brim,‬ ‭which creates a natural site for‬‭obstruction‬‭.‬ ‭3.‬ ‭Ureterovesical Junction (UVJ)‬ ‭○‬ ‭Location: Where the ureter passes through the‬‭muscular‬‭wall of the urinary‬ ‭bladder‬‭.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Significance: This is the‬‭narrowest part of the ureter‬‭,‬‭making it the‬‭most‬ ‭common site for stone impaction‬‭.‬ ‭Clinical Significance‬ ‭1. Ureteric Colic and Pain Referral‬ ‭‬ O ‭ bstructed urine flow‬‭due to a stone can cause‬‭hydronephrosis‬‭(dilation of the renal‬ ‭pelvis and calyces) and‬‭ureteric colic‬‭.‬ ‭‬ ‭Pain characteristics‬‭:‬ ‭○‬ ‭Severe, intermittent‬‭flank pain‬‭(loin-to-groin pattern).‬ ‭○‬ ‭Pain intensity fluctuates with‬‭peristaltic contractions‬‭of the ureter.‬ ‭○‬ ‭Referred pain follows‬‭T11–L2 dermatomes‬‭, affecting‬‭areas like the‬‭lower‬ ‭abdomen, inguinal region, and genitalia‬‭.‬ ‭2. Radiological Identification‬ ‭‬ I ‭ ntravenous Urography (IVU)‬‭or‬‭CT Urography (CTU)‬‭can help visualize the‬ ‭constrictions and detect ureteric stones.‬ ‭‬ ‭Ultrasound‬‭is used for detecting‬‭hydronephrosis‬‭and‬‭assessing renal function.‬ ‭3. Ureteric Calculi (Kidney Stones) and Their Management‬ ‭‬ S ‭ mall stones‬‭(

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