Anatomy of the Kidney and Adrenal Gland

15 question-and-answer flashcards covering embryology, gross anatomy, blood supply, functions, and clinical correlations of the kidneys and adrenal glands.

What are the three embryonic stages of kidney development, and which stage gives rise to the definitive kidneys?

Pronephros, mesonephros, and metanephros; the metanephros becomes the definitive kidney.

During the embryonic ascent, at what vertebral level do the kidneys finish their ascent and rotation by the 9th week?

They reach a retroperitoneal position at the level of L1.

Name the three connective-tissue layers that protect and stabilize each kidney.

1. Fibrous capsule, 2. Perinephric (perirenal) fat, 3. Renal fascia.

State the approximate dimensions and weight of a typical adult kidney.

About 10 cm long × 5.5 cm wide × 3 cm thick, weighing roughly 150 g.

Which structures pass through the renal hilum?

Renal artery and renal nerves enter; renal vein and ureter exit.

What three components form a kidney lobe?

A renal pyramid, the overlying renal cortex, and the adjacent portions of the renal columns.

Trace the arterial blood flow from the renal artery to the arcuate arteries inside the kidney.

Renal artery → Segmental arteries → Interlobar arteries → Arcuate arteries.

What is the functional unit of the kidney, and how many are present at birth on average?

The nephron; approximately 1 million per kidney at birth (range 600,000–2 million).

Give five key physiological functions of the kidneys.

Regulation of extracellular fluid volume, regulation of ECF osmolarity, electrolyte homeostasis, acid–base balance, excretion of wastes/toxins, and endocrine functions.

Horseshoe kidney is classified under which type of developmental anomaly?

An anomaly of shape.

List the three arterial sources that supply each adrenal (suprarenal) gland.

Branches from the inferior phrenic artery, the aorta, and the renal artery.

Into which vessel does the right adrenal (suprarenal) vein drain?

Directly into the inferior vena cava.

Name the three zones of the adrenal cortex and one hormone produced by each.

Zona glomerulosa – aldosterone; Zona fasciculata – cortisol; Zona reticularis – androgens (e.g., DHEA).

Which cells in the adrenal medulla secrete catecholamines, and what are the two main catecholamines released?

Chromaffin cells; they release epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).

Overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal cortex results in which clinical disorder?

Cushing’s syndrome.