4.1.1: Hello Kidney (HBS)

Renal Medulla

Inner region of the kidney.

Renal Cortex

Outer region of the kidney.

Inferior Vena Cava

Receives blood from lower limbs and abdominal organs and empties into the posterior part of the right atrium of the heart.

Ureter

Tube that carries urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder.

Urinary Bladder

A hollow, muscular sac that holds and stores urine.

Urethra

A tube that releases urine from the body near the vagina in females or through the penis in males; also serves in males as the exit tube for the reproductive system.

Renal Vein

A vein carrying filtered blood from the kidney to the inferior vena cava.

Renal Artery

An artery that carries unfiltered blood to the kidney.

Kidney

An organ that removes urea, excess water, and other waste products from the blood and passes them to the ureter.

Urologists

Are medical doctors who diagnose and treat conditions related to the urinary system, such as urinary tract infections and kidney stones.

Minor Calyx

Cup that nestles the papilla of each pyramid; collects urine.

Transitional Epithelium

Function: Stretches readily and permits distension of urinary organ by contained urine. Location: lines the ureters, urinary bladder, and part of the urethra.

Renal Pelvis

Funnel-shaped reservoir that collects the urine and passes it to the ureter.

Renal Column

Inward extensions of the cortex tissue separating the renal pyramids.

Abdominal Aorta

Lower descending aorta, delivers blood to lower limbs and abdominal organs.

Renal Papilla

Narrow, innermost end of a renal (medullary) pyramid.

Urology

The branch of medicine that focuses on monitoring the health of the urinary system.

Major Calyx

The cavity formed by the convergence of several minor calyces, which drain urine from the minor calyxes into the renal pelvis.

Renal Capsule

The connective tissue covering of the external surface of the kidney.

Urinary System

The organs of the urinary tract comprising the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.

Renal (Medullary) Pyramid

Triangular, cone shaped divisions within the renal medulla.

Urine

Waste material that is secreted by the kidney, is rich in end products (as urea, uric acid, and creatinine) of protein metabolism together with salts and pigments, and forms a clear amber and usually slightly acid fluid.