Dissection 08 – Abdominal Autonomics, Urinary System, Diaphragm and Posterior Abdominal Wall

Key Concepts: Understand the location and structure of retroperitoneal structures along the posterior abdominal wall and the thoracoabdominal diaphragm.

This dissection focuses on the diaphragm and the posterior abdominal wall. The urinary system develops retroperitoneally and is exposed by cleaning the fat from the posterior abdominal wall. After exposing it, you will study the blood supply and gross internal structure of the kidneys. The adrenal glands are anatomically but not functionally associated with the kidneys. These endocrine glands have a rich blood supply.
The other major structures that you will study include the diaphragm and several structures that penetrate it as they pass between the thorax and abdomen.