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Anatomía Renal - Anatomía & Fisiología (ver código)
Revisión del 17:09 30 oct 2011
, 17:09 30 oct 2011Página creada con '==Introduction== The kidneys are paired organs which reside in the dorsal abdomen. One on the left and one on the right. Their role is to filter the blood through the glomerul...'
==Introduction==
The kidneys are paired organs which reside in the dorsal abdomen. One on the left and one on the right. Their role is to filter the blood through the glomerulus to form what is known as the filtrate. This filtrate is then on the whole reabsorbed along the nephron until what is left comprises compounds superfluous to the requirements of the organism. Some compounds, normally fully reabsorbed, are on occasion present in the body in excess. The kidney tubules are able to respond to this excess and excrete such compounds in greater amounts. This is how the kidneys play a major role in the homeostasis of the organism. The kidneys also plays a vital role in the total water balance of the organism. Varying their excretion of water in relation to the hydration status of the animal.
The kidneys receive 25% of the '''cardiac output'''. From this they filter 20% of the plasma forming a filtrate of which all but 1% is reabsorbed. This equates to all the circulatory volume being filtered and reabsorbed every 30 minutes. The functions of the kidneys are to maintain the volume and composition of plasma, regulate water, ion and pH levels, retain nutrients and excrete waste, toxins and excess electrolytes. The kidneys achieve these functions via; glomerular filtration, solute reabsorption, tubular secretion, water balance and acid-base regulation.
[[Image:sagkidlabelled.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>A labelled saggital section of a lamb kidney(Courtesy of Donal McNally - University of Nottingham)</center></small>]]
==Common Anatomy==
[[Image:basicnormkidap.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>Histology section of a normal kidney (© RVC 2008)</center></small>]]
[[Image:normkidcortap.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>Histology section of a normal renal cortex (© RVC 2008)</center></small>]]
[[Image:promaledogab.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>A prosection of the abdomen of a male dog (© UoN 2008)</center></small>]]
[[Image:profemaledogab.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>A prosection of the abdomen of a female dog(© UoN 2008)</center></small>]]
* The kidney is the part of the urinary tract where blood is filtered and urine is produced.
* The kidneys are paired and lie in a retroperitoneal position.
* They are positioned in the caudo-dorsal abdomen.
* They lie within a splitting of the sublumbar fascia. This also often contains a large quantity of fat to cushion and protect the kidneys from the pressure of other organs
* The right kidney is most cranial in all species except the pig.
* In species where the right kidney is most cranial it lies in a small fossa of the caudate liver lobe.
* However the left kidney is the most mobile.
* During development all species begin with a multi-lobed structure but a varying degree of fusion occurs between the species giving rise to the various different characteristics seen.
==The Basic Components of the Kidney==
===Outer fibrous capsule===
A tough outer capsule surrounds the parenchyma and this prevents the kidney expanding. It is easily stripped away from a healthy kidney but adheres where pathology has occured.
===Renal Cortex===
* 2 Parts
* External zone
* Internal zone (juxtamedullar)
* Contains the following parts of the [[:Category:Nephron| nephron]]
** [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #The Renal Corpuscle| Renal corpuscle]]
** [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #Proximal Tubule| Proximal convoluted tubule]]
** [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #The Distal Tubule| Distal convoluted tubule]]
** [[WikiWords#Urinary Section| Medullary Rays]]
===Renal Medulla===
* Contains medullary pyramids
* The part nearest the cortex is the base of the pyramid which narrows to form the inner part - renal papilla
* The medulla can be split into two parts, the outer and the inner
* Different parts of the [[:Category:Nephron| nephron]] reside in these areas
====Outer Medulla====
The outer medulla can be further divided into the outer and inner stripe
=====The Outer Stripe=====
This section located just inside the cortex contains the following parts of the [[:Category:Nephron| nephron]]:
* [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #Proximal Tubule| Proximal straight tubules]]
* [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #The Distal Tubule| Distal straight tubules]]
* [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #The Loop of Henle| Thin descending and thick ascending limbs of the loop of henle]]
* [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #Collecting Duct| Outer medullary collecting ducts]]
* [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #The Vasa Recta| Vasa recta]]
=====The Inner Stripe=====
Located inside of the outer stripe this section contains the following parts:
* [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #The Loop of Henle| Thin ascending and thick ascending limbs of the loop of henle]]
* [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #Collecting Duct| Outer medullary collecting ducts]]
=====The Difference=====
The outer stripe contains the straight proximal tubules and the inner does not. However the inner contains thin ascending limbs and the outer does not. This difference makes up the anatomical demarcation between the two stripes
====Inner Medulla====
* The inner medulla however only contains the following parts:
** [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #The Loop of Henle| Loop of henle]]
** [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #Collecting Duct| Collecting ducts]]
** [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #The Vasa Recta| Vasa recta]]
===Renal Pelvis===
* The renal sinus is located within an indentation on the medial side of the kidney
* The renal pelvis is located within the renal sinus
* All papillary ducts open here
* The renal pelvis then drains into the ureters
* The renal pelvis is lined with transitional epithelium
* Varies between species
* Absent in cow
* Contains mucous glands in the horse
===Divisions of the Kidney===
* The kidney is divided into [[WikiWords#Urinary Section| renal lobes]] from a structural point of view.
* These can then be divided into a renal pyramid and the piece of cortex above it
* Renal Pyramids are important descriptor of part of the kidney.
**These structures are visible grossly and are the region of the medulla which appears triangular in cross section. They are actually cone shaped and the pointed part which faces towards the renal pelvis is termed the apex and the part against the cortex the base.
* They can also be subdivided into [[WikiWords#Urinary Section| renal lobules]] comprising of [[:Category:Nephron| nephrons]], [[WikiWords#Urinary Section| a medullary ray]] and [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #Collecting Duct| a collecting duct]].
* In some species the kidneys are described as '''multipyramidal''' this means they have multiple lobes and pyramids. Others are described as '''unipyramidal''' meaning they only have one lobe and pyramid.
===Innervation===
* Sympathetic and parasympathetic fibres from solar plexus
* Travel with renal arteries
* Sympathetic fibres synapse in coeliac ganglion and cranial mesenteric ganglion
===Lymphatic Drainage===
Renal lymph nodes
==Anatomical Species Differences==
[[Image:lambpigkidcombDM.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>A picture showing a typical lamb and pig kidney. (Courtesy of Donal McNally - University of Nottingham</center></small>]]
The various species have major and rather striking differences in the structure of their kidneys.
===Canine, Feline, and Ovine===
These species all have similar renal anatomy. Their kidneys are relatively short and thick and they are the traditional kidney bean shape. They have a smooth outer surface and have a single renal papilla. The renal pelvis is large and irregular with recesses which are finger like processes.
The kidney of the feline is relatively bigger than the other species and is quite distinctive because the sub-capsular veins which run towards the hilum are visible. The size of the kidney can be estimated by palpation or via imaging. On a ventrodorsal radiograph, normal kidney size is usually between two to three times the length of second lumbar vertebra, 3 - 4.5 centimetres.
===Bovine===
The kidneys of the bovine do not lose their foetal lobulation. In fact the surface of each kidney is divided into approximately 12 lobules. The right kidney is flattened and ellipsoidal where as the left kidney is thicker at the caudal end than the cranial. Each kidney is surrounded by the capsula adiposa; a layer of fat. Despite what it’s externally lobulated appearance may suggest the cortex of the bovine kidney is continuous and the kidney is of multipyramidal type. The bovine kidney has no renal pelvis but rather the [[Ureters - Anatomy & Physiology | Ureters]] enters the kidney and divide into a cranial and caudal branch. These branches then subdivide and the papilla at the apex of the pyramids open and drain into these.
The right ureter leaves the kidney and passes along the roof of the abdomen to the pelvis in a fairly standard pattern. The left ureter however moves across the dorsal surface of its kidney to return to the midline and follow a course as if the kidney was located on the left. (both kidneys in the bovine are located on the right see the anatomical landmarks section for further details)
===Porcine===
The kidneys are dorsoventrally flattened. The renal pelvis opens into quite a large space of two major calicyes from which bud about 10 minor calyces. These attach to one renal papillae each. The kidneys have a smooth surface.
===Equine===
The equine kidneys not only have very different shapes compared to the rest of the domestic species but they also each have a different shape. The right kidney is described as heart shaped whilst the left is described as being pyramidal. Each organ weighs approximately 700g and both are dorsoventrally flattened. The kidneys are basically unipyramidal and the only demarcation between what were the multiple pyramids of the foetus are the interlobar arteries. This is not always the case in the foal where it is common to be able to identify lobes and the external surface is not always smooth. The horse has a single renal papilla like the dog and its renal pelvis is large and irregular with 2 recesses (finger like processes). The cells of its pelvis secret mucin giving the urine its cloudy appearance.
==Anatomical Landmarks==
Each species has a slightly different orientation of the kidneys within the abdomen.
===Carnivores===
The kidneys in these species are very mobile. Especially the left one and especially in the feline. These anatomical landmarks describe the most common locations. The right kidney is more cranial than the left and tends to lie beneath L1 - L3 where as the left tends to lie under L2-L4. The reason the right kidney is less mobile than the left is that it tends to be almost entirely enclosed within the renal fossa of the caudate lobe of the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]]. The kidneys are enclosed within a layer of fat and this increases with the obesity of the animal.
Medially to the right kidney you will find the caudal vena cava and the right adrenal gland can be found dorsolateral to this structure but still medially to the kidney. Ventrally can be found the Descending [[Duodenum - Anatomy & Physiology|duodenum]] with the right pancreatic limb more towards the ventromedial aspect. In females the right ovary can be found caudoventrally.
The '''Cranial pole''' of the left kidney contacts the [[Monogastric Stomach - Anatomy & Physiology|greater curvature of stomach]] it also contacts the [[Spleen - Anatomy & Physiology|spleen]] on its dorsomedial aspect as well as potentially contacting the left limb of the pancreas. The left adrenal gland can be found at the medial aspect of the cranial pole. The '''Caudal pole''' of the left kidney contacts the [[Small Intestine Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|Small intestine]] and the Descending [[Colon - Anatomy & Physiology|colon]]. At its caudoventral aspect in females is found the left Ovary.
===Ruminants===
Due to the rumen taking up most of the left side of the abdomen it is normal in the bovine to find both of the kidneys on the right side. In the ovine the kidneys are surrounded by very thick masses of fat which reduce the impact of the rumen on their location. The kidneys in the living animal vary their position substantially with respiration and with the pressure of the other organs.
The right kidney has a retroperitoneal attachment to the "sublumbar" musculature. Cranially it touches the liver. In the dead specimen the right kidney occupies the region between the last rib and somewhere between the 2nd and 3rd lumbar vertebrae’s transverse process. The right kidney usually contacts pancreas, duodenum, adrenal glands and colon as well as the afore mentioned liver.
The left kidney in the bovine is to be found caudoventrally to the right one usually in the region between the 2nd and 4th lumbar vertebrae
===Porcine===
The left and right kidneys are more or less aligned in the pig unlike other species. The kidneys of the pig are embedded in lots of fat and lie against the psoas muscle. They span the distance between the last rib cranially and the 4th lumber vertebrae caudally. The '''right kidney''' does not touch the liver unlike other species and is related ventrally to the descending duodenum and jejunum. The '''left kidney''' is ventrally related to the ascending colon, the base of the caecum and the pancreas.
===Equine===
The kidneys of the horse are both enclosed in a fat capsule. Dorsally they rest against the psoas muscle and against the diaphragm.
The right kidney is to be found ventrally to and between the last 2 ribs and first lumbar transverse process. Cranially it touches the liver and caudally it is attached to the pancreas and the base of caecum. The duodenum winds around its lateral and then ventral surfaces. Medially is the caudal vena cava and adrenal gland.
The left kidney is between the last rib and 3rd transverse process. Its ventral surface is almost completely covered by the peritoneum and contacts the small intestine and and small colon. The spleen contacts it cranioventrally. Medially is the left adrenal gland and aorta.
==Renal Blood Supply==
* Supplied by renal arteries
* Arise from aorta
* 3-4mm diameter - dog
* Often divide into dorsal and ventral branches before entering kidney
* Common to find double the normal number - dog
===Left Renal Vessels===
* Left renal artery
** Originates 2cm caudal to the right renal artery
** ~3-4cm long - dog
* Left renal vein
** Immediately ventral to artery
** ~3-4cm long - dog
===Right Renal Vessels===
* Right Renal Artery
** 2cm cranial to left renal artery
** 4 cm caudal to cranial mesenteric artery
** Passes dorsal over the caudal vena cava
** ~4-5cm long - dog
* Right Renal Vein
** Ventral to artery
** ~4-5cm long - dog
===Internal Vascularisation===
Once the renal artery enters the kidney is divides into the interlobar arteries. These pass through the gaps between the renal pyramids as the reach the junctions between the cortex and medullar they branch into the arcuate arteries which move over the base of the pyramids. From these come the interlobular arteries which supply the individual lobules of the cortex. These arteries then branch many times to supply individual glomeruli. The capillaries of the glomerulus then rejoin to form one vessel which then forms the [[Glomerular Apparatus and Filtration - Anatomy & Physiology#Pressure in the Peritubular Capillaries|peritubular capillaries]] of that nephron. The interlobular arteries are examples of end arterioles and there are few anastomoses. Obstruction of one of these arterioles causes ischaemic damage in the kidneys. This is also potentially the case with the interlobar arteries.
[[Categoría:Riñón - Anatomía & Fisiología]]
The kidneys are paired organs which reside in the dorsal abdomen. One on the left and one on the right. Their role is to filter the blood through the glomerulus to form what is known as the filtrate. This filtrate is then on the whole reabsorbed along the nephron until what is left comprises compounds superfluous to the requirements of the organism. Some compounds, normally fully reabsorbed, are on occasion present in the body in excess. The kidney tubules are able to respond to this excess and excrete such compounds in greater amounts. This is how the kidneys play a major role in the homeostasis of the organism. The kidneys also plays a vital role in the total water balance of the organism. Varying their excretion of water in relation to the hydration status of the animal.
The kidneys receive 25% of the '''cardiac output'''. From this they filter 20% of the plasma forming a filtrate of which all but 1% is reabsorbed. This equates to all the circulatory volume being filtered and reabsorbed every 30 minutes. The functions of the kidneys are to maintain the volume and composition of plasma, regulate water, ion and pH levels, retain nutrients and excrete waste, toxins and excess electrolytes. The kidneys achieve these functions via; glomerular filtration, solute reabsorption, tubular secretion, water balance and acid-base regulation.
[[Image:sagkidlabelled.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>A labelled saggital section of a lamb kidney(Courtesy of Donal McNally - University of Nottingham)</center></small>]]
==Common Anatomy==
[[Image:basicnormkidap.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>Histology section of a normal kidney (© RVC 2008)</center></small>]]
[[Image:normkidcortap.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>Histology section of a normal renal cortex (© RVC 2008)</center></small>]]
[[Image:promaledogab.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>A prosection of the abdomen of a male dog (© UoN 2008)</center></small>]]
[[Image:profemaledogab.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>A prosection of the abdomen of a female dog(© UoN 2008)</center></small>]]
* The kidney is the part of the urinary tract where blood is filtered and urine is produced.
* The kidneys are paired and lie in a retroperitoneal position.
* They are positioned in the caudo-dorsal abdomen.
* They lie within a splitting of the sublumbar fascia. This also often contains a large quantity of fat to cushion and protect the kidneys from the pressure of other organs
* The right kidney is most cranial in all species except the pig.
* In species where the right kidney is most cranial it lies in a small fossa of the caudate liver lobe.
* However the left kidney is the most mobile.
* During development all species begin with a multi-lobed structure but a varying degree of fusion occurs between the species giving rise to the various different characteristics seen.
==The Basic Components of the Kidney==
===Outer fibrous capsule===
A tough outer capsule surrounds the parenchyma and this prevents the kidney expanding. It is easily stripped away from a healthy kidney but adheres where pathology has occured.
===Renal Cortex===
* 2 Parts
* External zone
* Internal zone (juxtamedullar)
* Contains the following parts of the [[:Category:Nephron| nephron]]
** [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #The Renal Corpuscle| Renal corpuscle]]
** [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #Proximal Tubule| Proximal convoluted tubule]]
** [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #The Distal Tubule| Distal convoluted tubule]]
** [[WikiWords#Urinary Section| Medullary Rays]]
===Renal Medulla===
* Contains medullary pyramids
* The part nearest the cortex is the base of the pyramid which narrows to form the inner part - renal papilla
* The medulla can be split into two parts, the outer and the inner
* Different parts of the [[:Category:Nephron| nephron]] reside in these areas
====Outer Medulla====
The outer medulla can be further divided into the outer and inner stripe
=====The Outer Stripe=====
This section located just inside the cortex contains the following parts of the [[:Category:Nephron| nephron]]:
* [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #Proximal Tubule| Proximal straight tubules]]
* [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #The Distal Tubule| Distal straight tubules]]
* [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #The Loop of Henle| Thin descending and thick ascending limbs of the loop of henle]]
* [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #Collecting Duct| Outer medullary collecting ducts]]
* [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #The Vasa Recta| Vasa recta]]
=====The Inner Stripe=====
Located inside of the outer stripe this section contains the following parts:
* [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #The Loop of Henle| Thin ascending and thick ascending limbs of the loop of henle]]
* [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #Collecting Duct| Outer medullary collecting ducts]]
=====The Difference=====
The outer stripe contains the straight proximal tubules and the inner does not. However the inner contains thin ascending limbs and the outer does not. This difference makes up the anatomical demarcation between the two stripes
====Inner Medulla====
* The inner medulla however only contains the following parts:
** [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #The Loop of Henle| Loop of henle]]
** [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #Collecting Duct| Collecting ducts]]
** [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #The Vasa Recta| Vasa recta]]
===Renal Pelvis===
* The renal sinus is located within an indentation on the medial side of the kidney
* The renal pelvis is located within the renal sinus
* All papillary ducts open here
* The renal pelvis then drains into the ureters
* The renal pelvis is lined with transitional epithelium
* Varies between species
* Absent in cow
* Contains mucous glands in the horse
===Divisions of the Kidney===
* The kidney is divided into [[WikiWords#Urinary Section| renal lobes]] from a structural point of view.
* These can then be divided into a renal pyramid and the piece of cortex above it
* Renal Pyramids are important descriptor of part of the kidney.
**These structures are visible grossly and are the region of the medulla which appears triangular in cross section. They are actually cone shaped and the pointed part which faces towards the renal pelvis is termed the apex and the part against the cortex the base.
* They can also be subdivided into [[WikiWords#Urinary Section| renal lobules]] comprising of [[:Category:Nephron| nephrons]], [[WikiWords#Urinary Section| a medullary ray]] and [[Nephron Microscopic Anatomy #Collecting Duct| a collecting duct]].
* In some species the kidneys are described as '''multipyramidal''' this means they have multiple lobes and pyramids. Others are described as '''unipyramidal''' meaning they only have one lobe and pyramid.
===Innervation===
* Sympathetic and parasympathetic fibres from solar plexus
* Travel with renal arteries
* Sympathetic fibres synapse in coeliac ganglion and cranial mesenteric ganglion
===Lymphatic Drainage===
Renal lymph nodes
==Anatomical Species Differences==
[[Image:lambpigkidcombDM.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>A picture showing a typical lamb and pig kidney. (Courtesy of Donal McNally - University of Nottingham</center></small>]]
The various species have major and rather striking differences in the structure of their kidneys.
===Canine, Feline, and Ovine===
These species all have similar renal anatomy. Their kidneys are relatively short and thick and they are the traditional kidney bean shape. They have a smooth outer surface and have a single renal papilla. The renal pelvis is large and irregular with recesses which are finger like processes.
The kidney of the feline is relatively bigger than the other species and is quite distinctive because the sub-capsular veins which run towards the hilum are visible. The size of the kidney can be estimated by palpation or via imaging. On a ventrodorsal radiograph, normal kidney size is usually between two to three times the length of second lumbar vertebra, 3 - 4.5 centimetres.
===Bovine===
The kidneys of the bovine do not lose their foetal lobulation. In fact the surface of each kidney is divided into approximately 12 lobules. The right kidney is flattened and ellipsoidal where as the left kidney is thicker at the caudal end than the cranial. Each kidney is surrounded by the capsula adiposa; a layer of fat. Despite what it’s externally lobulated appearance may suggest the cortex of the bovine kidney is continuous and the kidney is of multipyramidal type. The bovine kidney has no renal pelvis but rather the [[Ureters - Anatomy & Physiology | Ureters]] enters the kidney and divide into a cranial and caudal branch. These branches then subdivide and the papilla at the apex of the pyramids open and drain into these.
The right ureter leaves the kidney and passes along the roof of the abdomen to the pelvis in a fairly standard pattern. The left ureter however moves across the dorsal surface of its kidney to return to the midline and follow a course as if the kidney was located on the left. (both kidneys in the bovine are located on the right see the anatomical landmarks section for further details)
===Porcine===
The kidneys are dorsoventrally flattened. The renal pelvis opens into quite a large space of two major calicyes from which bud about 10 minor calyces. These attach to one renal papillae each. The kidneys have a smooth surface.
===Equine===
The equine kidneys not only have very different shapes compared to the rest of the domestic species but they also each have a different shape. The right kidney is described as heart shaped whilst the left is described as being pyramidal. Each organ weighs approximately 700g and both are dorsoventrally flattened. The kidneys are basically unipyramidal and the only demarcation between what were the multiple pyramids of the foetus are the interlobar arteries. This is not always the case in the foal where it is common to be able to identify lobes and the external surface is not always smooth. The horse has a single renal papilla like the dog and its renal pelvis is large and irregular with 2 recesses (finger like processes). The cells of its pelvis secret mucin giving the urine its cloudy appearance.
==Anatomical Landmarks==
Each species has a slightly different orientation of the kidneys within the abdomen.
===Carnivores===
The kidneys in these species are very mobile. Especially the left one and especially in the feline. These anatomical landmarks describe the most common locations. The right kidney is more cranial than the left and tends to lie beneath L1 - L3 where as the left tends to lie under L2-L4. The reason the right kidney is less mobile than the left is that it tends to be almost entirely enclosed within the renal fossa of the caudate lobe of the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]]. The kidneys are enclosed within a layer of fat and this increases with the obesity of the animal.
Medially to the right kidney you will find the caudal vena cava and the right adrenal gland can be found dorsolateral to this structure but still medially to the kidney. Ventrally can be found the Descending [[Duodenum - Anatomy & Physiology|duodenum]] with the right pancreatic limb more towards the ventromedial aspect. In females the right ovary can be found caudoventrally.
The '''Cranial pole''' of the left kidney contacts the [[Monogastric Stomach - Anatomy & Physiology|greater curvature of stomach]] it also contacts the [[Spleen - Anatomy & Physiology|spleen]] on its dorsomedial aspect as well as potentially contacting the left limb of the pancreas. The left adrenal gland can be found at the medial aspect of the cranial pole. The '''Caudal pole''' of the left kidney contacts the [[Small Intestine Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|Small intestine]] and the Descending [[Colon - Anatomy & Physiology|colon]]. At its caudoventral aspect in females is found the left Ovary.
===Ruminants===
Due to the rumen taking up most of the left side of the abdomen it is normal in the bovine to find both of the kidneys on the right side. In the ovine the kidneys are surrounded by very thick masses of fat which reduce the impact of the rumen on their location. The kidneys in the living animal vary their position substantially with respiration and with the pressure of the other organs.
The right kidney has a retroperitoneal attachment to the "sublumbar" musculature. Cranially it touches the liver. In the dead specimen the right kidney occupies the region between the last rib and somewhere between the 2nd and 3rd lumbar vertebrae’s transverse process. The right kidney usually contacts pancreas, duodenum, adrenal glands and colon as well as the afore mentioned liver.
The left kidney in the bovine is to be found caudoventrally to the right one usually in the region between the 2nd and 4th lumbar vertebrae
===Porcine===
The left and right kidneys are more or less aligned in the pig unlike other species. The kidneys of the pig are embedded in lots of fat and lie against the psoas muscle. They span the distance between the last rib cranially and the 4th lumber vertebrae caudally. The '''right kidney''' does not touch the liver unlike other species and is related ventrally to the descending duodenum and jejunum. The '''left kidney''' is ventrally related to the ascending colon, the base of the caecum and the pancreas.
===Equine===
The kidneys of the horse are both enclosed in a fat capsule. Dorsally they rest against the psoas muscle and against the diaphragm.
The right kidney is to be found ventrally to and between the last 2 ribs and first lumbar transverse process. Cranially it touches the liver and caudally it is attached to the pancreas and the base of caecum. The duodenum winds around its lateral and then ventral surfaces. Medially is the caudal vena cava and adrenal gland.
The left kidney is between the last rib and 3rd transverse process. Its ventral surface is almost completely covered by the peritoneum and contacts the small intestine and and small colon. The spleen contacts it cranioventrally. Medially is the left adrenal gland and aorta.
==Renal Blood Supply==
* Supplied by renal arteries
* Arise from aorta
* 3-4mm diameter - dog
* Often divide into dorsal and ventral branches before entering kidney
* Common to find double the normal number - dog
===Left Renal Vessels===
* Left renal artery
** Originates 2cm caudal to the right renal artery
** ~3-4cm long - dog
* Left renal vein
** Immediately ventral to artery
** ~3-4cm long - dog
===Right Renal Vessels===
* Right Renal Artery
** 2cm cranial to left renal artery
** 4 cm caudal to cranial mesenteric artery
** Passes dorsal over the caudal vena cava
** ~4-5cm long - dog
* Right Renal Vein
** Ventral to artery
** ~4-5cm long - dog
===Internal Vascularisation===
Once the renal artery enters the kidney is divides into the interlobar arteries. These pass through the gaps between the renal pyramids as the reach the junctions between the cortex and medullar they branch into the arcuate arteries which move over the base of the pyramids. From these come the interlobular arteries which supply the individual lobules of the cortex. These arteries then branch many times to supply individual glomeruli. The capillaries of the glomerulus then rejoin to form one vessel which then forms the [[Glomerular Apparatus and Filtration - Anatomy & Physiology#Pressure in the Peritubular Capillaries|peritubular capillaries]] of that nephron. The interlobular arteries are examples of end arterioles and there are few anastomoses. Obstruction of one of these arterioles causes ischaemic damage in the kidneys. This is also potentially the case with the interlobar arteries.
[[Categoría:Riñón - Anatomía & Fisiología]]