Final answer:
The kidneys are positioned on either side of the spine, with the left kidney at T12 to L3 vertebral level, and the right kidney slightly lower due to the liver. The upper poles of the kidneys are under the protection of the ribs, and they possess an anterior-medial orientation with the renal hilum. They are cushioned by adipose tissue and a fibrous capsule.
Step-by-step explanation:
Kidneys Location and Orientation
The kidneys are vital organs located on either side of the spine, primarily responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. Anatomically, they lie in the retroperitoneal space between the parietal peritoneum and the posterior abdominal wall. The left kidney is typically located at the T12 to L3 vertebral level while the right kidney is positioned slightly lower, primarily due to the presence of the liver which displaces it.
In terms of anterior-posterior orientation, the renal hilum, which is the entry and exit point for renal vessels and nerves as well as the ureter, faces medially. For the superior-inferior orientation, the kidneys extend from the lower level of the thoracic spine (T12) to the upper part of the lumbar spine (L3), with the upper poles being protected partially by the eleventh and twelfth ribs, while the lower poles extend towards the lumbar area. In both genders, the kidneys are safeguarded by a renal fascia and enveloped by adipose tissue for additional protection and cushioning.