final

sinus

A large filled space within the kidney containing the renal pelvis, vessels, nerves, and fat.

afferent arteriole

Blood vessel that contains granular cells involved in blood pressure regulation.

vasa recta

Ladderlike looping blood vessels within the medulla.

retroperitoneal

The descriptive term for the location of the kidneys relative to the abdominal cavity.

detrusor

Contraction of this muscle forces urine from the bladder

minor calyx

Cup-shaped tubes that enclose the papillae of the pyramids.

glomerlus

Knot of capillaries that is drained by the efferent arteriole.

hilum

The medial concave cleft in which vessels, ureters, and nerves enter/leave the kidney.

cortical

85% of nephrons are described by this term that relates to their location in the kidney.

macula densa

Region of the distal tubule that monitors concentration of the filtrate.