Structure of the kidney

• Label this diagram of the mammalian kidney

  A) medulla

  B) pyramid

  C) renal artery

  D) renal vein

  E) pelvis

  F) ureter

  G) renal capsule

  H) cortex

  
• The kidneys are made up of millions of nephrons, which act as tiny filtering units
• What is the cortex?

  -the dark outer layer

  -it has a high density of capillaries as it is the site of blood filtration
• What is the medulla?

  -the lighter area inside the cortex

  -it contains nephron tubules which make the kidney pyramids and collecting ducts
• What is the pelvis?

  -the innermost part of the kidney

  -collects urine before it passes down to the bladder
• What is the ureter?

  A tube which connects the kidney to the bladder
• What is the bladder?

  A muscular sac for holding urine
• What is the urethra?

  A tube which allows for urine in the bladder to be excreted from the body
• Kidney -> ureter -> bladder -> urethra