Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
The functional substance, or parenchyma, of the human kidney is divided into two major structures: the outer renal cortex and the inner renal medulla. Grossly, these structures take the shape of eight to 18 cone-shaped renal lobes, each containing renal cortex surrounding a portion of medulla called a renal pyramid. [18]
The nephron is the minute or microscopic structural and functional unit of the kidney. It is composed of a renal corpuscle and a renal tubule. The renal corpuscle consists of a tuft of capillaries called a glomerulus and a cup-shaped structure called Bowman's capsule. The renal tubule extends from the capsule.
The urinary system refers to the structures that produce and transport urine to the point of excretion. In the human urinary system there are two kidneys that are located between the dorsal body wall and parietal peritoneum on both the left and right sides. The formation of urine begins within the functional unit of the kidney, the nephrons.
The collecting duct system of the kidney consists of a series of tubules and ducts that physically connect nephrons to a minor calyx or directly to the renal pelvis.The collecting duct participates in electrolyte and fluid balance through reabsorption and excretion, processes regulated by the hormones aldosterone and vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone).
The renal corpuscle is composed of two structures, the glomerulus and the Bowman's capsule. [3] The glomerulus is a small tuft of capillaries containing two cell types. Endothelial cells, which have large fenestrae, are not covered by diaphragms. Mesangial cells are modified smooth muscle cells that lie between the capillaries.
Metanephros is the most complex form of kidney. [44] Each metanephric kidney is characterized by a large number of nephrons and a highly branched system of collecting tubules and ducts, [28] that open into the ureter. [48] Such branching in the metanephros is unique in relation to the pronephros and mesonephros. [44]
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.
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.