LOBULATIONS OF THE FOETAL KIDNEY

Introduction: The knowledge of the lobulation pattern of foetal and adult kidneys is necessary for determining the normal anatomy of kidneys. Aim: To study the foetal and adult kidneys for lobulations. Method: 100 dissection specimens (70 adult, 30 foetuses) were studied at a tertiary center in northern Kerala. Results: The surface of the foetal kidneys showed lobulations which were seen to reach the maximum number of 14 lobules by the 28th week, after which the lobulations decreased in number to around 10-12 by term.Thelobulations were clearly demarcated as belonging to the anterior or posterior surfaces by a longitudinal groove on the lateral margin of the kidney.The surfaces of the adult kidneys, on the other hand, were smooth except in a minority of cases, which showed lobulations. These lobulations on the surface of the adult kidney were more common on the anterior surface than on the posterior surface and when present on the posterior surface, they were more likely to be found closer to the lower pole.