Renal

~5% of blueprint

AKI/CKD, electrolytes, nephrolithiasis, acid-base, glomerular disease.

Disease Profiles

Region: Retroperitoneal, ~T12–L3 (the right kidney sits lower due to the liver).
Key Structures: Cortex, medullary pyramids, renal pelvis, hilum (artery, vein, ureter); the ureters narrow at three points.
Clinical Correlation: Stones lodge at the three narrowings; flank/CVA tenderness suggests pyelonephritis.

High-Yield Pearl

Kidney stones lodge at the 3 ureteral narrowings: UPJ, pelvic brim, and ureterovesical junction.

Region: Functional unit spanning the renal cortex & medulla.
Key Structures: Glomerulus/Bowman capsule, proximal tubule, loop of Henle, distal tubule, collecting duct.
Clinical Correlation: Diuretics target specific segments; the proximal tubule is the site of Fanconi syndrome.

High-Yield Pearl

Diuretic sites: acetazolamide (PCT), loop diuretics (thick ascending limb), thiazides (DCT), K-sparing (collecting duct).