Which Statement About the Location and Position of the Kidneys

Question

Which statement about the location and position of the kidneys is true?
A) The kidneys are retroperitoneal.
B) The left kidney is slightly lower than the right due to the position of the liver.
C) The kidneys extend from L1 to L3.
D) The kidneys are protected inferiorly by the ribs.

Accepted Answer

The kidneys are dark red, bean-shaped organs about the size of a tightly-clenched fist. The kidneys are retroperitoneal (posterior to the parietal peritoneum). The kidneys extend from T1 to L3 (vertebrae) on each side of the vertebral column and are somewhat protected superiorly by the ribs. The right kidney is slightly lower than the left due to the position of the liver.