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The renal cortex is the outer portion of the kidney between the renal capsule and the renal medulla. [1] In the adult, it forms a continuous smooth outer zone with a number of projections ( cortical columns ) that extend down between the pyramids .
The cortex and medulla of the kidney contain nephrons, [21] each of which consists of a glomerulus and a complex tubular system. [22] The cortex contains glomeruli and is responsible for filtering the blood. [7] The medulla is responsible for urine concentration [23] and contains tubules with short and long loops of Henle. [24]
The human urinary system, also known as the urinary tract or renal system, consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and the urethra. The purpose of the urinary system is to eliminate waste from the body, regulate blood volume and blood pressure, control levels of electrolytes and metabolites , and regulate blood pH .
Each nephron is located in both the cortex and the medulla. The most proximal part of the nephron is glomerulus, which is located in the cortex. [28] The nephrons of the mammalian kidneys have loops of Henle, which are the most efficient way to reabsorb water and produce concentrated urine to conserve water in the body. [12]
Nephrology is the medical specialty which addresses diseases of kidney function: these include CKD, nephritic and nephrotic syndromes, acute kidney injury, and pyelonephritis. Urology addresses diseases of kidney (and urinary tract) anatomy: these include cancer, renal cysts, kidney stones and ureteral stones, and urinary tract obstruction. [7]
The renal lobe is a portion of a kidney consisting of a renal pyramid and the renal cortex above it. [1] In humans, on average there are 7 to 18 renal lobes. [medical citation needed] It is visible without a microscope, though it is easier to see in humans than in other animals.
The kidney's ability to perform many of its functions depends on the three fundamental functions of filtration, reabsorption, and secretion, whose sum is called renal clearance or renal excretion. That is: Urinary excretion rate = Filtration rate – Reabsorption rate + Secretion rate [1]
The renal columns, Bertin columns, or columns of Bertin, a.k.a. columns of Bertini are extensions of the renal cortex in between the renal pyramids. They allow the cortex to be better anchored. (Cortical extensions into the medullary space.) Each column consists of lines of blood vessels and urinary tubes and a fibrous material.