Renal cortex

Definition

The renal cortex is the outer layer of the kidney where initial filtration of blood takes place. It contains nephrons, the functional units that filter waste and reabsorb essential substances back into the bloodstream.

Related terms

Nephron:

A microscopic structure in the kidney where the process of urine formation begins, involving filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.

Glomerulus: A network of capillaries located in the nephron where blood filtration begins.

Renal Medulla: The innermost part of the kidney that follows the renal cortex, containing structures crucial for concentrating urine