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Kidneys, suprarenal, glands and posterior abdominal vessels, nerves and muscles

Fascial relations of right kidney, close-up anterior view

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Image #148-6
Diagram Image
Legend Image
Kidneys, suprarenal, glands and posterior abdominal vessels, nerves and muscles
Fascial relations of right kidney, close-up anterior view
It was possible to separate the renal fascia from the subperitoneal connective tissue in this specimen for a distance of several centimeters lateral to the border of the kidney. Near the lateral border of the kidney this layer splits (6) to pass in front of and behind the kidney. In addition, a fascial lamina (7, middle pointer) passes parallel to the surface of the kidney to interconnect the anterior and posterior layers of renal fascia. This lamina obscures the angular cleft between diverging fascial layers which would otherwise be apparent if the renal fascia were opened and its interior inspected following removal of the kidney.
  1. Right suprarenal gland (covered by fascia)
  2. Hepatic vein from lower part of right lobe of liver (cut off)
  3. Peritoneum (medial part elevated)
  4. Kidney (covered by connective tissue of fatty capsule)
  5. Anterior layer of renal fascia (elevated)
  6. Lateral confluence of anterior layer with posterior lamina of renal fascia
  7. Upper and lower pointers: Renal fascia (extension anterolaterally external to peritoneum) Middle pointer: Connecting layer between anterior and posterior laminae of renal fascia
  8. Transversalis fascia
  9. Fatty capsule
  10. Fascial lamina passing medially from anterior layer of renal fascia below lower pole of kidney
  11. Crus of diaphragm
  12. Celiac trunk
  13. Celiac ganglion
  14. Superior mesenteric artery
  15. Left renal vein
  16. Right renal vein
  17. Lamina of fascia related to adipose capsule of left kidney
  18. Inferior vena cava
  19. Abdominal aorta
  20. Right testicular vein (lower path of this vein indicated by brownish discoloration instead of blue latex)
  21. Testicular artery (uncolored)
  22. Inferior mesenteric artery
  23. Filament of testicular plexus
  24. Filament of aortic plexus
  25. Lumbar lymph node