Renal medulla
Renal Medulla
The Renal Medulla (/rɪˈnæl mɛˈdʌlə/; from Latin renalis, meaning "of the kidneys", and medulla, meaning "marrow") is the innermost part of the kidney. The renal medulla is split up into a number of sections, known as the renal pyramids. Blood enters into the kidney via the renal artery, and is filtered in the renal cortex. The renal medulla acts as a hub for the processing of urine, which is then passed to the renal pelvis and out of the body via the ureter.
Structure
The renal medulla consists of cone-shaped renal pyramids. The base of each pyramid originates from the renal cortex, and its apex, or papilla, points internally towards the renal pelvis. The renal medulla is made up of tissue called renal parenchyma, which is divided into two major structures: the outer renal cortex and the inner renal medulla.
Function
The renal medulla plays a crucial role in the regulation of blood pressure and the electrolyte balance of the body. It does this by controlling the volume and composition of urine. The renal medulla accomplishes this through a process known as the countercurrent exchange system, which allows for the reabsorption of water and electrolytes from the urine before it is excreted from the body.
Clinical Significance
Damage or disease affecting the renal medulla can lead to a number of health problems, including kidney stones, kidney failure, and renal medullary carcinoma, a rare type of kidney cancer.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Renal medulla
- Wikipedia's article - Renal medulla
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