A professor of physiology, cellular biophysics, and medicine, Qais Al-Awqati works at Columbia University and is a member of the American Society of Clinical Investigation, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Association of American Physicians. The recipient of several awards and distinctions, Qais Al-Awqati is known for his research into renal epithelial cells and stem cells located in the kidney’s papilla.

1. Renal Papilla Function
By Qais Al-Awqati

2. Introduction

A professor of physiology, cellular
biophysics, and medicine, Qais Al-Awqati
works at Columbia University and is a
member of the American Society of
Clinical Investigation, the American
Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the
Association of American Physicians. The
recipient of several awards and
distinctions, Qais Al-Awqati is known for
his research into renal epithelial cells
and stem cells located in the kidney’s

3. About The Renal Papilla

The renal papilla is located at the top of
the medullary pyramids. Papillary ducts
are located just below the apex. From
the renal papilla, the renal pyramid leads
into the calyces. The function of the
papilla is to transport urine from the
kidney’s cortical section to the lumen of a
calyx, where the urine is collected and
later discharged into the body’s bladder.
The papilla contains multiple apertures
through which droplets of fluid can
pass, giving it the appearance of a sieve.

4. Conclusion

Disorders relating to the renal papilla
are often associated with
nephrotoxins, that is, toxic chemicals
that cause damage to the kidney. If
the renal papilla becomes damaged
due to nephrotoxins, this may result in
cells dying, also known as renal
papillary necrosis. This may occur due
to dehydration in combination with the
use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs such as ibuprofen or
phenylbutazone.