Micro-Scholarship, What it is, How can it help me.pdf
structure of the kidney.docx
1. Structure of the kidneys, including the renal cortex, medulla, and
pelvis.
2. The kidneys are bean-shaped organs, each roughly the size of a fist. They are located in the abdomen,
on either side of the spine, below the ribcage. The outermost layer of the kidney is called the renal
cortex. It is a smooth, reddish-brown layer that surrounds the kidney and contains the nephrons.
Nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys and are responsible for filtering the blood.
Beneath the renal cortex lies the renal medulla, which is divided into sections known as renal
pyramids. These pyramids contain the nephron tubules that collect and transport urine from the cortex
to the renal pelvis. The renal pelvis is a funnel-shaped structure that connects the kidney to the ureter,
which carries urine to the bladder.
The kidneys are highly vascularized organs, receiving approximately 20% of the body's blood flow. The
renal artery supplies the kidney with oxygenated blood, while the renal vein carries deoxygenated blood
away from the organ. The kidneys also have an extensive network of capillaries that help to filter the
blood and remove waste products.
Understanding the structure of the kidneys is essential in understanding how they function. The
3. nephrons, renal cortex, medulla, and pelvis all play important roles in filtering waste products from the
blood and regulating fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. Any disruption to the structure or
function of the kidneys can have serious consequences for overall health and wellbeing.