Renal fascia

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Renal fascia

The renal fascia is a layer of connective tissue encapsulating the kidneys and the adrenal glands. It plays a crucial role in anchoring these organs to the surrounding structures and maintaining their position within the retroperitoneal space.

Anatomy

The renal fascia is divided into two distinct layers:

• The anterior layer, also known as Gerota's fascia.
• The posterior layer, also known as Zuckerkandl's fascia.

These layers are continuous with each other laterally and merge with the transversalis fascia and the psoas fascia.

Gerota's Fascia

Gerota's fascia is the anterior layer of the renal fascia. It extends from the diaphragm to the pelvis, enveloping the kidneys and the adrenal glands. It is named after the Romanian anatomist Dimitrie Gerota.

Zuckerkandl's Fascia

Zuckerkandl's fascia is the posterior layer of the renal fascia. It is named after the Austrian anatomist Emil Zuckerkandl. This layer is closely associated with the quadratus lumborum muscle and the psoas major muscle.

Function

The primary function of the renal fascia is to provide support and maintain the position of the kidneys and adrenal glands within the retroperitoneal space. It also acts as a barrier, limiting the spread of infections and malignancies from the kidneys to other parts of the abdomen.

Clinical Significance

The renal fascia is of significant clinical importance. It can be involved in various pathological conditions such as:

• Perinephric abscess: An infection that can spread within the confines of the renal fascia.
• Renal cell carcinoma: The spread of this type of cancer can be limited by the renal fascia.
• Nephroptosis: A condition where the kidney descends more than normal due to a laxity in the renal fascia.

Related Structures

• Perirenal fat: The fat surrounding the kidneys within the renal fascia.
• Pararenal fat: The fat located outside the renal fascia.
• Renal capsule: The fibrous covering of the kidney itself, lying beneath the renal fascia.

See Also

• Kidney
• Adrenal gland
• Retroperitoneal space
• Transversalis fascia
• Psoas major muscle
• Quadratus lumborum muscle