Unit 4- Structure and function of kidneys
Structure of the kidneys
• Each kidney is connected to the aorta by the renal artery
• Below the outer cortex is the inner medulla
• In the centre of the kidney is a fibrous white region called the calyx. The calyx collects urine from
the nephrons and passes it through the renal pelvis.
• Each kidney has an outer cortex
• The renal vein returns blood to the body draining into the inferior vena cava.
• The ureters are two tubes which drain urine from each kidney to the bladder below.
• The bladder stores urine produced by the kidneys. Urine is passed through the urethra.
Structure of the kidneys
• Each kidney is connected to the aorta by the renal artery
• Below the outer cortex is the inner medulla
• In the centre of the kidney is a fibrous white region called the calyx. The calyx collects urine from
the nephrons and passes it through the renal pelvis.
• Each kidney has an outer cortex
• The renal vein returns blood to the body draining into the inferior vena cava.
• The ureters are two tubes which drain urine from each kidney to the bladder below.
• The bladder stores urine produced by the kidneys. Urine is passed through the urethra.
