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

Kidneys in situ, posterior view

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Image #152-5

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

Kidneys in situ, posterior view

The kidneys have been exposed from behind by the removal of spinal masculature and muscles of the abdominal wall. Fascia and fat related to the kidneys has also been excised. On the left side of psoas major and quadratus lumborum muscles have been cut away. On the right, the psoas major has been preserved with the result that the right ureter is obscured from view.

1. Rib XII (stripped of periosteum)
2. Left kidney (Note: the kidney is slightly displaced so that it touches the twelfth rib in the specimen)
3. Transverse process vertebra L. II
4. Renal pelvis
5. Ureter
6. Intervertebral joint capsule L. III- IV
7. Lumbar artery IV
8. Superficial fascia
9. Supraspinal ligament (blended with thoracolumbar fascia)
10. Erector spinae muscle (cut across)
11. External intercostal muscle
12. Quadratus lumborum muscle (cut across)
13. Right kidney (posterior surface)
14. Renal pelvis
15. Lateral intertransverse muscle
16. Psoas major muscle
17. Quadratus lumborum muscle (lowest fascicle)
18. Iliac crest