Where are kidneys located?

Kidneys are two organs that are shaped like a bean on either side of the spine. They are located below the rib cage, behind the abdomen, and under the liver.

What is the fascia of the kidney?

The renal fascia is the divide between the renal tissue and the perirenal fat and encompasses both the kidney and the suprarenal gland before continuing into the fascia of the diaphragm. As with the adjacent renal fatty tissue, it maintains the placement of the kidneys.

What is renal system anatomy?

Renal System Anatomy. The adrenal glands (part of the endocrine system) sit on top of the kidneys and release renin which affects blood pressure, and sodium and water retention. The bean-shaped kidneys are about the size of a closed fist. They lie against the back of the abdominal wall, outside the peritoneal cavity,…

Which side of the kidney is concave?

The kidneys are bean-shaped with the convex side of each organ located laterally and the concave side medial. The indentation on the concave side of the kidney, known as the renal hilus, provides a space for the renal artery, renal vein, and ureter to enter the kidney.

What are the kidney kidneys in a cadaver?

Kidneys in a cadaver: From superior to inferior and from anterior to posterior, you will find the renal vein, followed by the renal artery, and ending with the ureter. The kidney tissue is protected by three layers that entirely surround the kidney:

Is the right kidney lower than the left kidney?

The right kidney sits a bit lower than the left one as the biggest part of the liver is on the right side of the abdomen. Most problems or infections with your kidney cause middle back pain or flank pain. However, the pain is not always felt where the kidneys are located.

Where does kidney pain occur?

Most kidney or flank pain is felt around the location of the kidneys. However, as you will see, depending on the cause of kidney pain, kidney disease and infections can cause pain sensations elsewhere in your body.

Is the kidney a retroperitoneal organ?

Unlike the other abdominal organs, the kidneys lie behind the peritoneum that lines the abdominal cavity and are thus considered to be retroperitoneal organs. The ribs and muscles of the back protect the kidneys from external damage.

What are the lobes of the kidney?

Inside the kidneys are a number of pyramid-shaped lobes. Each consists of an outer renal cortex and an inner renal medulla. Nephrons flow between these sections. These are the urine-producing structures of the kidneys. Blood enters the kidneys through the renal arteries and leaves through the renal veins.