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Kidneys are paired, bean-shaped organs in the retroperitoneal space behind the abdomen, typically at vertebral levels T12–L3, with the right kidney usually slightly lower and smaller than the left.
In humans, the kidneys are two reddish-brown, bean-shaped organs located in the retroperitoneal space behind the abdomen, one on each side of the spine. Their vertebral level is approximately T12 to L3, and they lie at a slightly oblique angle. Because of the liver’s position, the right kidney is typically slightly lower and smaller than the left. Each kidney is associated with an adrenal gland superiorly and is attached to a ureter that carries urine to the bladder. The kidneys are enclosed by a renal capsule and surrounded by fat and fascial layers (perirenal fat, renal fascia, and pararenal fat), with the renal hilum on the concave border where the renal artery enters and the renal vein and ureter leave. Grossly, the kidney’s functional tissue (parenchyma) is divided into an outer renal cortex and an inner renal medulla. The medulla is organized into multiple cone-shaped renal pyramids (grossly described as about 8–18 lobes), separated by renal columns of cortex. Each pyramid drains urine via a renal papilla into a minor calyx; minor calyces join to form major calyces, which drain into the renal pelvis and then into the ureter. The renal sinus (a fat-filled cavity) houses the renal pelvis and calyces and separates these collecting structures from the medullary tissue. The kidney’s gross anatomical features also include the renal hilum and surrounding hilar fat and lymphatic tissue.
Kidneys are paired, bean-shaped organs in the retroperitoneal space behind the abdomen, typically at vertebral levels T12–L3, with the right kidney usually slightly lower and smaller than the left.
Gross anatomy includes cortex and medulla: the medulla forms cone-shaped renal pyramids that drain through minor calyces → major calyces → renal pelvis → ureter.
The renal hilum on the concave border is the gateway for the renal artery (in) and renal vein and ureter (out), and the renal sinus (fat-filled cavity) contains the pelvis and calyces.
The anatomical compartment behind the abdominal cavity where the kidneys lie.
A recessed area on the concave border where the renal artery enters and the renal vein and ureter exit.
Tough fibrous tissue that surrounds the kidney and is covered externally by fat and fascial layers.
The outer region of kidney parenchyma that surrounds the renal pyramids.
The inner region of kidney parenchyma composed of cone-shaped renal pyramids that drain urine into calyces.
A cone-shaped structure in the medulla whose papillae empty urine into minor calyces.
Collecting chambers that receive urine from papillae (minor) and then funnel it toward the renal pelvis (major).
A funnel-shaped collecting structure that receives urine from major calyces and continues as the ureter.
A fat-filled cavity that contains the renal pelvis and calyces and separates them from the medullary tissue.
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