10/02/2024
Kidneys
The right kidney lies at a slightly lower level than the left kidney because of
the bulk of the right lobe of the liver. The lower pole can be
palpated in the right lumbar region at the end of deep inspiration in a person
with poorly developed abdominal muscles. Each kidney moves about 1 in.
(2.5 cm) in a vertical direction during full respiratory movement of the
diaphragm. The normal left kidney, which is higher than the right kidney, is
not palpable.
A. Surface anatomy of the kidneys and ureters on the
anterior abdominal wall. Note the relationship of the hilum of each
kidney to the transpyloric plane.
B. Surface anatomy of the kidneys
on the posterior abdominal wall.
On the anterior abdominal wall, the hilum of each kidney lies on the
transpyloric plane, about three fingerbreadths from the midline. On the back,
the kidneys extend from the 12th thoracic spine to the third lumbar spine, and
the hili are opposite the first lumbar vertebra.
