extrarenalen

Extrarenalen is a term used in anatomy and medicine to describe structures or processes located outside the kidney. The root is extra- meaning outside and ren- meaning kidney. The form extrarenal (or extrarenalen in some languages) is used to indicate that a particular structure, pathology, or variant lies beyond the renal parenchyma or collecting system, rather than within the kidney itself.

The term is commonly applied in two broad contexts. First, anatomic variants of the renal collecting system or kidney itself, where parts normally associated with the kidney are located outside it—for example an extrarenal pelvis, in which the renal pelvis lies outside the renal parenchyma and can be encountered in imaging or operative planning. Second, disease contexts where pathology affects tissues outside the kidney or where extrarenal manifestations accompany renal disease; for instance, systemic conditions that involve the adrenal gland, liver, or other organs without primary renal involvement.

In radiology, distinguishing extrarenal from intrarenal structures is important for accurate diagnosis and surgical planning. Ultrasound, CT, and MRI are used to delineate the location of structures relative to the kidney and to identify any extrarenal masses or anomalies.

Notes: The term emphasizes location rather than function; it does not specify a single disease. See also extrarenal pelvis; kidney anatomy; congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract.