Chapter 67, Problem 1.1A

Compare the positions of the kidneys in the fetal pig with those in the human.

Summary Introduction

To explain:

Comparison of the position of kidney in fetal pig and humans.

Introduction:

The kidneys play a central role in regulating the water concentration, inorganic ion composition, acid-base balance and the fluid volume of the internal environment. They excrete metabolic waste products into the urine as fast as they are produced. This keeps waste products which can be toxic, from accumulating in the body. These metabolic wastes include urea from the catabolism of protein, uric acid from nucleic acids, creatinine from muscle creatine. Also, kidneys excrete through urine some foreign chemicals- like drugs, pesticides and food additives.

Explanation of Solution

In humans, the kidney is located at the back of the abdominal wall but not actually in the abdominal cavity. They are retroperitoneal, meaning they are just behind the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity.

In the fetal pig, the kidney is located in the dorsal abdominal wall on either side of the vertebral column. Also, they are retroperitoneal, located dorsal to the parietal peritoneum.

Conclusion

The position of kidney in humans and pigs is retroperitoneal.