VH Dissector: Kidney

In this exercise we will reverse dissect the structures related to the posterior abdomen.  First lets build the posterior abdominal wall musculature:

Now we will add in the viscera of the posterior abdomen:

Stop here and review the posterior relationships of the kidney:

1. The 11th and 12th ribs cross the left kidney in the superior pole.

2. Only the 12th rib crosses the superior pole of the right kidney owing to its lower placement (due to its position under the liver).

3. Both kidneys lie anterior to transversus abdominis, quadratus lumborum, psoas major & minor, as well as the diaphragm (superior pole)

Note that the hilum of the right kidney is lower than that of the left kidney. 

Additional Review Bookmarks

Below are some additional links to VH Dissector Bookmarks to help you preview and review the anatomy of the kidneys and posterior abdomen:

Full abdominal vasculature: Illustrates the complexity of the abdominal vasculature, and relationships to posterior abdominal viscera and musculature

Abdomen:  Much of the abdominal viscera were removed here so that relationships of retroperitoneal structures can be seen.

Credits:

VH Dissector steps modified for Drexel Dissector by Dr. Haviva Goldman from original website activity created by Jeffrey Fahl, MD, Kyle Petersen, PhD, Richard Drake, PhD, Alesha Petitt, MA, Claira Ralston, MS and Kim Price, MA and modified by Jeffrey Fahl, MD, Michael Smith, PhD, Albany Medical College.