Labeling the External Anatomy of the Kidney
To label the external anatomy of the kidney, begin by identifying its bean-shaped outline, superior and inferior poles, medial and lateral borders, anterior and posterior surfaces, hilum, renal capsule, and surrounding structures. The kidneys are paired, reddish-brown organs located in the retroperitoneum, where they filter blood, regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, and produce urine. Their asymmetrical positions and close relationships to nearby
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Their asymmetrical positions and close relationships to nearby structures are essential for accurate labeling. Consider this: superior to each kidney lies the adrenal gland, separated by a thin layer of perirenal fat but often appearing contiguous with the kidney in imaging. So laterally, the kidneys are bordered by the quadratus lumborum and the diaphragm; medially, they rest against the psoas major and the transverse abdominis. The right kidney typically sits slightly lower than the left because of the liver above it, while the left kidney is positioned somewhat higher and more posteriorly. The renal fascia encloses each kidney and adrenal gland, creating a boundary that helps distinguish them from surrounding retroperitoneal fat.
When labeling the external anatomy, begin with the overall shape: each kidney is approximately 10–12 cm long, 5–7 cm wide, and 3 cm thick, with a smooth, convex lateral border and a concave medial border. The medial concavity forms the hilum, a vertical slit through which the renal artery enters, the renal vein and
