Anatomy · Surface Anatomy and Clinical Landmarks for Procedures

A young woman with fever and dysuria develops marked tenderness on deep pressure in the angle between the twelfth rib and the lateral border of erector spinae. This finding, called renal angle tenderness, localises pathology to the:

  • A Kidney
  • B Appendix
  • C Gallbladder
  • D Pancreas
Correct answer: A. Kidney

Explanation

The renal angle (costovertebral angle) lies between the lower border of the twelfth rib and the lateral edge of erector spinae; the kidney projects onto this region, so tenderness there indicates acute pyelonephritis or ureteric obstruction. Gallbladder tenderness is at the right costal margin in the midclavicular line, and appendiceal tenderness is in the right iliac fossa.

Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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