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.
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