Key Terms CH 9

Adrenal gland

These are located immediately superior, anterior, and medial to each kidney

Collecting system

Consists of the infundibulum & renal pelvis 

Columns of Bertin

The pyramids are separated from each other by bands of cortical tissue referred to as

Gerota’s fascia

A fibrous sheath that encloses each kidney, perinephric fat, and adrenal gland

Infundibulum

This is composed of minor and major calyces 

Inner medulla

Is composed of the medullary pyramids

Major calyces

Receive urine from the minor calyces then dump it into the renal pelvis

Medullary pyramid

These pass urine to the minor calyces in the renal pelvis

Minor calyces

These receive urine from the medullary pyramids

Morison’s pouch

A peritoneal space that appears as a bright curvilinear line between the right kidney and the liver

Nephron

Microscopic functional units of the kidney that form urine

Perinephric space

Part of the retroperitoneal space within the renal fascia that contains the kidney, perirenal fat, adrenal gland, and proximal ureter

Psoas muscle

This muscle is posterior and medial to the kidneys

Quadratus lumborum muscle

This muscle is posterior and lateral to the kidneys

Renal capsule

Another name for True Capsule

Renal cortex

This lies between the medulla and outer renal capsule

Renal hilum

Medial opening into the renal sinus at the mid portion of the kidney

Renal parenchyma

Consists of the inner medulla & outer cortex 

Renal pelvis

Urine reservoir formed by the expanded superior end of the ureter

Renal sinus

The central portion of the kidney and consists of the renal hilum & collecting system 

True capsule

A fibrous tissue layer surrounding the kidney

Ureter

Transports urine to the urinary bladder