Morphometric Parameters of the Human Adult Kidney: An Anatomical Study

The purpose of this study was to determine the anatomic parameters of the kidney in adults. The Renal lengths, width at superior and inferior poles, thickness at the superior and inferior poles were measured in 151 adult cadaver kidneys. A digital vernier caliper was used for performing the measurements. The data were statistically analyzed. The mean renal length was 8.9 +/- 0.9 cm on the right side and 9.1 +/- 0.9 cm on the left side. The mean width of the superior pole of the right kidney was 4.9 +/- 0.6 cm and the left kidney was 5 +/- 0.7 cm. The width of inferior pole of the right and left kidneys were 4.8 +/- 0.6 cm and 4.5 +/- 0.7 cm respectively. The mean thickness of the superior pole of the right kidney was 3 +/- 0.4 cm and left kidney was 3.2 +/- 0.5 cm. The mean thickness of the inferior pole of the right and left kidneys were 3.1 +/- 0.4 cm and 3.2 +/- 0.5 cm respectively. There was no statistical significance with respect to the length of both the kidneys. However there was some data on width and thickness among the right and left side showed the difference which was significant statistically. The present study has provided additional information on the renal morphometry which will be of use to the surgeons and radiologists.