The kidneys are bilateral bean-shaped organs, reddish-brown in colour and located in the posterior abdomen. Their main function is to filter and excrete waste products from the blood. They are also responsible for water and electrolyte balance in the body.

The four heart valves, which keep blood flowing in the right direction, are the mitral, tricuspid, pulmonary and aortic valves. Each valve has flaps (leaflets) that open and close once per heartbeat.

https://youtu.be/hNAwT3QDM28

called vasa recta.

By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2023)

Fig 4 – Arterial and venous supply to the kidneys.

Myrto @ PatrasAnatomy

Anatomical Relations

The kidneys sit in close proximity to many other abdominal structures which are important to be aware of clinically:

Anterior

Posterior

Left

• Suprarenal gland
• Spleen
• Stomach
• Pancreas
• Left colic flexure
• Jejunum
• Diaphragm
• 11th and 12th ribs
• Psoas major, quadratus lumborum and transversus abdominis
• Subcostal, iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves

Right

An ear-shaped projection called an auricle. (The term auricle has also been applied, incorrectly, to the entire atrium.) The right atrium receives from the veins blood low in oxygen and high in carbon dioxide; this blood is transferred to the right lower chamber, or ventricle.

The liver is a large organ found in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. It is a multifunctional accessory organ of the gastrointestinal tract and performs several essential functions such as detoxification, protein synthesis, bile production and nutrient storage to name only a few.

What is the heart? The heart is a fist-sized organ that pumps blood throughout your body. It's the primary organ of your circulatory system. Your heart contains four main sections (chambers) made of muscle and powered by electrical impulses. Your brain and nervous system direct your heart's function.

Internally, the kidneys have an intricate and unique structure. The renal parenchyma can be divided into two main areas – the outer cortex and inner medulla. The cortex extends into the medulla, dividing it into triangular shapes – these are known as renal pyramids.

Anatomical Position

The kidneys lie retroperitoneally (behind the peritoneum) in the abdomen, either side of the vertebral column.

They typically extend from T12 to L3, although the right kidney is often situated slightly lower due to the presence of the liver. Each kidney is approximately three vertebrae in length.

The adrenal glands sit immediately superior to the kidneys within a separate envelope of the renal fascia.

The average fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute. It can vary by 5 to 25 beats per minute. The fetal heart rate may change as your baby responds to conditions in your uterus. An abnormal fetal heart rate may mean that your baby is not getting enough oxygen or that there are other problems.