Anatomy of the kidney and ureter

Abstract

For descriptive purposes, the urinary tract is divided into upper and lower parts. The kidneys and ureters make up the upper urinary tract with the urinary bladder and urethra forming the lower urinary tract. This article discusses the anatomy of the kidney and ureter highlighting key aspects that are of relevance to their function and to the surgeon. The article also includes a brief account of the anatomy of the suprarenal gland because of the close anatomical relationship between it and the upper urinary tract.