| Abstract | | The kidney is a paired organ wrapped by a fibrous and fatty capsule and lies in the retroperitoneal space. It is enclosed by the anterior and posterior layers of the renal fascia. Posteriorly, the kidney is related to the diaphragm, psoas major and quadratus lumborum muscles. The kidneys move vertically during respiratory excursions of the diaphragm. The kidney is formed from the renal cortex and renal medulla, which is further divided into several renal pyramids. The apices of the pyramids are enfolded by hollow renal calyces, which form the renal pelvis. The middle of the concave border is hollowed out to form the renal sinus, where the renal artery and autonomic nerve fibres enter, while veins, lymphatic vessels and the ureter emerge. With regard to the branching of blood vessels the kidney is divided into five segments.
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