Structure/Morphology
The anterior layer of renal fascia is the layer of fascia that forms the anterior margin of the perirenal space. It extends superiorly to bound the anterior of the adrenal gland as well as inferiorly along with the ureter.
Related parts of the anatomy
Anatomical Relations
The anterior layer of renal fascia separates the perirenal space posteriorly from the anterior portions of the retroperitoneum which are found anteriorly. Inferiorly, the anterior perirenal fascia follows the ureters down into the pelvic cavity. Superiorly, it blends together with the posterior perirenal fascia briefly before splitting to run up anteriorly along the adrenal glands. Laterally, the anterior and posterior perirenal fascia are continuous with each other merging with the lateroconal fascia in the colonic gutter. Medially, the anterior perirenal fascia can run across the midline anterior to the aorta and inferior vena cava and merge with the anterior perirenal fascia of the opposite side (Mirilas and Skandalakis, 2009; Standring, 2016).
Function
The anterior layer of renal fascia forms the anterior wall of the perirenal space. It, together with the posterior layer of renal fascia, encompasses the kidneys, adrenal glands, and ureters.
References
Mirilas, P. and Skandalakis, J. E. (2009) 'Surgical anatomy of the retroperitoneal spaces--part I: embryogenesis and anatomy', Am Surg, 75(11), pp. 1091-7.
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41 edn.: Elsevier Limited.
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Fascia
The fascia is also defined as a “the fascial system consists of the three-dimensional continuum of soft, collagen containing, loose and dense fibrous connective tissues that permeate the body” by Fascia Nomenclature Committee (Bordoni and Whitte, 2018), an as “masses of connective tissue large enough to be visible to the unaided eye” by Gray’s Anatomy (Standring, 2016).
