Which description best matches the gross anatomy of the kidney?

• A. Red-brown and bean shaped. Lies retroperitoneal behind parietal peritoneum in the superior lumbar region of the posterior abdominal wall.
• B. Pink, elongated organs in the thoracic cavity
• C. Yellow, oval organs in the pelvic cavity
• D. Blue, triangular organs in the intraperitoneal space

Answer: (A)

The main idea is the kidney’s external appearance and its location in the body. The kidney is red-brown and bean-shaped, and it sits in the retroperitoneal space, meaning it lies behind the peritoneum, against the posterior abdominal wall in the upper lumbar region. This placement behind the lining of the abdominal cavity explains why it’s not described as intraperitoneal and why it isn’t found in the thorax or pelvis.

The other descriptions don’t fit: organs in the thoracic cavity would be in the chest rather than the abdomen, yellow oval organs in the pelvic cavity don’t describe the kidney, and blue triangular organs in the intraperitoneal space don’t match the kidney’s typical location or shape.