Which vertebral level marks the superior border of the right kidney?

Which vertebral level marks the superior border of the right kidney?

• A. T12
• B. L1
• C. T11
• D. L2

Answer: (B)

The kidneys sit retroperitoneally from about T12 to L3, with the right kidney a bit lower because the liver sits on top. The superior border is just above the level where the renal hilum sits, which is around L1–L2. On the right, this places the top edge at about L1. So the vertebral level corresponding to the superior border is L1. The higher T12 level would be a bit too superior, T11 even more so, and L2 would be around the area of the hilum rather than the top edge.

The kidneys sit retroperitoneally from about T12 to L3, with the right kidney a bit lower because the liver sits on top. The superior border is just above the level where the renal hilum sits, which is around L1–L2. On the right, this places the top edge at about L1. So the vertebral level corresponding to the superior border is L1. The higher T12 level would be a bit too superior, T11 even more so, and L2 would be around the area of the hilum rather than the top edge.