During ascent from the pelvis, the horseshoe kidney comes to lie at a lower position than a normal kidney. Which structure arrests its cranial migration?

• A Superior mesenteric artery
• B Root of the mesentery
• C Left renal vein
• D Inferior mesenteric artery ✓

Explanation

The fused lower poles form an isthmus that hooks under the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery from the aorta, halting further ascent and leaving the kidney at about the L3 to L4 vertebral level. The superior mesenteric artery lies far higher near L1 and plays no role. The low position explains the high insertion of the ureters, predisposing to pelviureteric junction obstruction and stones.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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