Radionuclide Imaging of the Nephro-Urinary Tract

The kidneys are located in the retroperitoneal space at the sides of the psoas muscle (D11-L3 tract), about 7 cm in depth from the posterior abdominal wall. The left kidney is typically somewhat more superior in position than the right kidney. The upper poles are normally oriented more medially and posteriorly than the lower poles. The medial margin of each kidney is marked by a deep fissure, known as the renal hilum that acts as a gateway to the kidney.