Perinephric fat

Perinephric fat is a type of adipose tissue that surrounds the kidney and is enclosed by the renal fascia. This fat is important in the structural and functional aspects of the kidney and has been studied for its role in various renal diseases.

Anatomy

The perinephric fat, also known as the perirenal fat, is located between the renal fascia and the renal capsule, which is a tough fibrous layer surrounding the kidney. It is one of the three compartments of the retroperitoneal space, the other two being the anterior pararenal space and the posterior pararenal space.

Function

The primary function of the perinephric fat is to provide physical protection and cushioning to the kidney. It also serves as a source of energy and contributes to the thermal insulation of the kidney. Recent studies have suggested that the perinephric fat may also have a role in the regulation of renal function and blood pressure, although this is still a topic of ongoing research.

Clinical significance

The amount of perinephric fat has been found to be increased in conditions such as obesity and metabolic syndrome. This has been associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease and renal cell carcinoma, the most common type of kidney cancer. Measurement of perinephric fat thickness using imaging techniques such as ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan can be used as a marker of these conditions.

See also

• Adipose tissue
• Renal fascia
• Renal capsule
• Retroperitoneal space