Internal Structure of Kidney

The main goal of this project was to illustrate a structurally accurate anatomical subject with a cutaway to reveal an aspect of its internal structure. The subject must look alive with real-world lighting cues that suggest its form, volume, and texture.

I want to showcase the different cross-sections of the kidney, as well as the cross-sections of renal pyramids and ureter.

Audience

Medical Students

Client

Prof. Marc Dryer

Format

Textbook Illustration

Date

December 2020

Media

Procreate

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Process work

Preliminary Studies

I wanted to show more dimensions of the kidney by including a traditional coronal cut, a sagittal cut, and also a transverse cut. I bought some pork kidneys to help me visualize the cuts. I also utilized 3D models to help me understand the anatomy of the kidney.

Screen Shot 2022-01-23 at 3.30.02 PM.png

Screen Shot 2022-01-23 at 2.45.11 PM.png

Screen Shot 2022-01-23 at 2.44.57 PM.png

Screen Shot 2022-01-23 at 3.29.44 PM.png

Texture References

To render the textures of different structures in the kidney, I found image references of pork and goat kidneys since they have similar textures and colors to human kidneys. I also watched surgical videos for rendering adipose tissues.

Screen Shot 2022-01-23 at 3.48.52 PM.png

Rendering

A grayscale draft was created by first blocking each structure a flat color. Lighting information was added afterwards guided by 3D model. Textures were created with a variety of brushes to contrast the smooth, shiny ureter and the striated renal textures.

Using Procreate, I added the colours using layers set to multiply, colour doge and screen mode.

Screen Shot 2022-01-23 at 3.28.18 PM.png

Details

References

Agur, A. M., & Dalley, A. F. (2021). Grant's atlas of anatomy. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.

Bourgery, J. M., & Jacob, N. H. (2017). Atlas of human anatomy and surgery = Atlas d'anatomie humaine et de chirurgie = Atlas der menschlichen Anatomie und der Chirurgie. Köln: TASCHEN.

Kidney morphology at 134 d in all groups. photographs of ... (n.d.). Retrieved January 23, 2022, from https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Kidney-morphology-at-134-d-in-all-groups-Photographs-of-representative-explanted_fig2_260432719

MD, E. C. K. (n.d.). Endocrine pathology. Retrieved January 23, 2022, from https://webpath.med.utah.edu/ENDOHTML/ENDO078.html

Medical and Surgical Management of Myasthenia Gravis and Thymoma. Pennmedicine.org. (n.d.). Retrieved January 23, 2022, from https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-health-care-professionals/for-physicians/physician-education-and-resources/clinical-briefings/2019/march/medical-and-surgical-management-of-myasthenia-gravis-and-thymoma

ORMediaSurgicalVideo. (2014, March 15). Pediatric kidney transplant - dr. Pippi Salle (narrated). YouTube. Retrieved January 23, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3FVUOq8e9A&t=997s

Rohen, J. W., Yokochi, C., & Lutjen-Drecoll, E. (2011). Color atlas of anatomy: A photographic study of the human body. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Schünke, M., Schulte, E., & Schumacher, U. (2021). Thieme atlas of anatomy. New York: Thieme.

Sinelʹnikov, R. D. (1988). Atlas of human anatomy. Moscow: Mir.

zames1992, & zames1992. (2019, November 6). Human kidney 3D model - turbosquid 1468612. Human kidney 3D model - TurboSquid 1468612. Retrieved January 23, 2022, from https://www.turbosquid.com/3d-models/human-kidney-3d-model-1468612

BACK TO GALLERY