How can you differentiate between the cortex and medulla on the histology slide?
The cortex consists of convoluted tubules together with the renal corpuscles. The medulla consists of loops of Henle and collecting ducts. The medulla may be divided into “zones” or “stripes,” visible grossly, which reflect the structural differentiation of the tubules that form the loops of Henle.
What is the relationship between the renal cortex and medulla?
The renal cortex is a space between the medulla and the outer capsule. The renal medulla contains the majority of the length of nephrons, the main functional component of the kidney that filters fluid from blood. The renal pelvis connects the kidney with the circulatory and nervous systems from the rest of the body.
What is the difference between renal cortex and medulla?
The main difference between renal cortex and renal medulla is that renal cortex is the outer region of the kidney which contains blood vessels connected to the nephrons whereas renal medulla is the inner region of the kidney which contains 8-12 renal pyramids. Renal pyramids empty into the calyx of the kidney.
What is the appearance of renal cortex and renal medulla?
Solution
| Renal cortex | Renal medulla |
|---|---|
| It is dark red in colour. | It is light red. |
| It forms the outer layer of the kidney. | It forms the inner layer of the kidney. |
| It contains the Malpighian corpuscles, the proximal and distal parts of the renal tubule. | It contains elements of Henle’s loop and the collecting tubules. |
Why is the cortex and medulla different Colours?
Cortex and medulla The renal cortex is the outer layer of the kidney tissue. It is darker than its underlying renal medulla because it receives over 90% of the kidney blood supply. The cortex has a grainy appearance, as it mostly contains ovoid and coiled parts of the nephrons (renal corpuscles and convoluted tubules).
What is the histological composition of the kidney?
The kidney is organised into many lobes, organised in a pyramidal structure, where the outer portion is made up of cortex, and the inner portion is made up of the medulla. The kidney contains about 1 million functional units called nephrons, which are continuous with a system of collecting tubules.
What separates the renal cortex from the medulla?
The renal columns are connective tissue extensions that radiate downward from the cortex through the medulla to separate the most characteristic features of the medulla, the renal pyramids and renal papillae.
Why is the cortex darker in Colour than the medulla?
What is the main function of the renal medulla?
The main function of the medulla is to regulate concentration of the urine. The urine flows from the collecting ducts into the renal calyces and pelvis, which undergoes unidirectional peristaltic movements to allow drainage of the urine into the downstream ureter and bladder.
Why is the renal cortex darker than the medulla?
What is a renal medulla?
The mature renal medulla, the inner part of the kidney, consists of the medullary collecting ducts, loops of Henle, vasa recta and the interstitium. The unique spatial arrangement of these components is essential for the regulation of urine concentration and other specialized kidney functions.
What are the histological features of the kidney cortex and medulla?
Histological features of kidney cortex and medulla with labeled diagram 1 1. Renal corpuscle 2 2. Proximal convulated tubules 3 3. Loop of henle (thin descending and thick ascending loop) and 4 4. Distal convulated tubules More
What is the difference between the renal cortex and medulla?
The renal cortex is the outer layer of the kidney tissue. It is darker than its underlying renal medulla because it receives over 90% of the kidney blood supply. The cortex has a grainy appearance, as it mostly contains ovoid and coiled parts of the nephrons (renal corpuscles and convoluted tubules).
What is the histology of the kidney?
Kidney histology 1 Kidney structure. The kidney is a bean shaped organ, with a convex lateral surface, concave medial surface and superior and inferior poles. 2 Cortex and medulla. Now let’s take a closer look at the parenchyma layers. 3 Nephron. The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney. 4 Secretion and reabsorption.
What does the medulla of the kidney do?
Kidney. Portions of the medulla extend into the cortex as the medullary rays, collections of straight renal tubules. The medulla contains multiple cone-shaped lobes, known as medullary pyramids. These urinary lobes are fused in the cortex. The urine drains into the renal pelvis, which is the initial part of the ureter.