Equine Physiology Workbook

Internal Anatomy of the Kidneys

 There are 2 distinct regions: Renal Cortex and Renal Medulla .  The renal medulla (inner) consists of 8 cone-shaped Renal pyramids . It is dark red/purple in colour and contains the loop of henle of the nephron.  The portions of the cortex (outer) that extend between renal pyramids are called Renal Columns . The cortex is reddish brown with a granular appearance and contains the renal corpuscle and proximal & distal convoluted tubules.  Together the renal cortex and the renal pyramids of the renal medulla constitute the parenchyma of the kidney.  Within the parenchyma are the functional units of the kidney: ~ 1 million microscopic structures called nephrons .  Minor and major calyces collect renal fluid from the nephron and lead into the middle of the kidney.  The Renal Pelvis inside the kidney collects urine from the calyces and narrows to form the ureter.  The Hilus is at the center of each kidney (medial) and is where the renal arteries, veins, nerves, lymph vessels & ureters enter & exit.

315

Made with FlippingBook Publishing Software