Anatomical Divisions of the Kidney

Kidney Anatomical Zones

• The inferior pole (lower pole) represents the entire caudal portion of the kidney, positioned anterior and lateral to the superior pole, as described by the American College of Emergency Physicians 1, 2, 3
• Images caudad to the renal hilum represent the inferior pole, while images cephalad represent the superior pole, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians 2, 3

Ultrasound Imaging

• During renal ultrasound, separate views of the superior and inferior poles are often required to adequately image the entire kidney in its longitudinal plane, as recommended by the American College of Emergency Physicians 2, 3
• The inferior pole specifically refers to the region visualized when angling the transducer inferiorly and laterally from the renal hilum, as described by the American College of Emergency Physicians 4, 5, 6