Excretory passageways
Urine passes out of the uriniferous tubule at the area cribosa of the renal pyramid and enters a series of passageways that stores and transports it to the exterior of the body. Urine flows sequentially to a minor calyx, a major calyx, and the renal pelvis, located in the renal sinus. Urine leaves each kidney through the ureter to the urinary bladder, where it is stored. Urine is finally voided through the urethra.
Renal pyramid >
Renal pyramids are conical structures composed of the straight, parallel segments of nephrons and collecting ducts. The base of a pyramid lies adjacent to the cortex, while its apex (papilla) projects into a minor calyx. Human kidneys have 10-18 pyramids (multi-pyramidal).
- Renal papillae
Renal pyramids are conical structures composed of the straight, parallel segments of nephrons and collecting ducts. The base of a pyramid lies adjacent to the cortex, while its apex (papilla) projects into a minor calyx. Human kidneys have 10-18 pyramids (multi-pyramidal).
Minor calyces >
Several excretory passages are illustrated. Minor calyces surround the apices (papillae) of renal pyramids. Major calyces are formed by the union of several minor calyces. Two to three major calyces unite to form the enlarged renal pelvis, which continues as the ureter. The bladder and urethra are not depicted in this image.
Major calyx
Several excretory passages are illustrated. Minor calyces surround the apices (papillae) of renal pyramids. Major calyces are formed by the union of several minor calyces. Two to three major calyces unite to form the enlarged renal pelvis, which continues as the ureter. The bladder and urethra are not depicted in this image.
Renal pelvis
Several excretory passages are illustrated. Minor calyces surround the apices (papillae) of medullary pyramids. Major calyces are formed by the union of several minor calyces. Two to three major calyces unite to form the enlarged renal pelvis, which continues as the ureter. The bladder and urethra are not depicted in this image.
Ureter
Several excretory passages are illustrated. Minor calyces surround the apices (papillae) of medullary pyramids. Major calyces are formed by the union of several minor calyces. Two to three major calyces unite to form the enlarged renal pelvis, which continues as the ureter. The bladder and urethra are not depicted in this image.
Renal sinus >
The renal sinus, at the indented hilum of the kidney, is filled with loose connective tissue and adipose cells. The excretory passageways are located within the sinus.
