Kidneys

External anatomy

  • bean shaped (~11cm)

  • hilum

    • central notch for vessel/ureter entry/exit

    • renal artery (blood in)

    • renal vein (blood out)

    • ureter (urine out)

    • connects kidney to circulatory/excretory systems

Internal structure (three main regions)

  • renal cortex

    • outer granular layer containing glomeruli and convoluted tubules

  • renal medulla

    • inner region with triangular renal pyramids; contains loops of Henle and collecting ducts

  • renal pelvis

    • funnel shaped cavity collecting urine from calyces before passing it to the ureter

  • kidney internal structure

Regions of the nephron

  • bowman’s capsule

    • ultrafiltration

  • proximal convoluted tubule

    • site of reabsorption

    • 80% of glucose, amino acids, and ions are reclaimed here

  • loop of Henle

    • creates a concentration gradient in the medulla to allow water reabsorption

  • distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct