What is the structure and function of the renal medulla?
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The mature renal medulla consists of the medullary collecting ducts, loops of Henle, vasa recta (straight capillaries) and the interstitium (lipid-laden interstitial cells, lymphocyte-like cells and pericytes). The main function of the medulla is to regulate concentration of the urine.
What are the structures located in the renal medulla?
These structures include the vasa rectae (both spuria and vera), the venulae rectae, the medullary capillary plexus, the loop of Henle, and the collecting tubule. The renal medulla is hypertonic to the filtrate in the nephron and aids in the reabsorption of water.
How does the structure of the kidney help its function?
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that are roughly the size of a fist. A tough, fibrous renal capsule surrounds each kidney and provides support for the soft tissue inside. Beyond that, two layers of fat serve as further protection. The adrenal glands lie on top of the kidneys.
What structures are located in the renal medulla How do these structures affect coloration of the medulla?
What is located in the renal medulla, and how do these structures affect coloration of the medulla? The tissue within the medulla is a dark red color due to the amount of blood dispersed into it via the renal artery which is further divided into interlobar arteries.
What is the function of renal medulla and cortex?
Renal cortex consists of glomeruli, Bowman’s capsules, and proximal and distal convoluted tubules. Therefore, renal cortex is involved in the filtration of blood. Renal medulla consists of loops of Henle and collecting tubules, which mainly reabsorb water.
Which of the following structure is most likely to be located in the renal medulla?
So, the correct option is ‘Renal corpuscle’.
What are the main structures of the kidney?
Kidney structure: The kidney is made up of three main areas: the outer cortex, a medulla in the middle, and the renal pelvis.
How do renal pyramids affect coloration of the medulla?
Each medulla is composed of structures called renal pyramids. Renal pyramids consist of blood vessels and elongated portions of tube-like structures that collect filtrate. The medulla regions appear darker in color than the outer surrounding area called the renal cortex.
What is the major structural difference between the cortex and medulla of the kidney?
The main difference between renal cortex and renal medulla is that renal cortex is the outer region of the kidney which contains blood vessels connected to the nephrons whereas renal medulla is the inner region of the kidney which contains 8-12 renal pyramids. Renal pyramids empty into the calyx of the kidney.
Are renal columns part of the medulla?
Internal Anatomy The renal columns are connective tissue extensions that radiate downward from the cortex through the medulla to separate the most characteristic features of the medulla, the renal pyramids and renal papillae.