Renal pyramids

Definition

Renal pyramids are cone-shaped tissues in the medulla of the kidney that contain nephrons and collecting ducts. They play a crucial role in urine formation and concentration.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Renal pyramids are structures located within the renal medulla.
2. Each kidney contains multiple renal pyramids, typically ranging from 8 to 18.
3. The base of each pyramid faces the renal cortex, while the apex (renal papilla) points towards the renal pelvis.
4. Urine flows from the nephrons in the pyramids into the minor calyces and then into major calyces before reaching the renal pelvis.
5. The collecting ducts within the pyramids concentrate urine by reabsorbing water and solutes.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of the renal pyramids?
• How many renal pyramids does a typical human kidney contain?
• Describe the flow of urine from the nephrons to its exit from the kidneys.

Related terms

Nephron: The functional unit of a kidney responsible for filtering blood and forming urine.

Renal Cortex: The outer layer of the kidney that contains glomeruli and convoluted tubules.

Collecting Duct: Tubes within each nephron that collect urine from multiple nephrons and transport it through renal pyramids to minor calyces.