Renal pelvis

Renal pelvis is the part of the kidney that funnels urine from the kidney to the ureter. It is a major component of the urinary system, which also includes the bladder, ureters, and urethra. The renal pelvis is a crucial part of the body's waste disposal system, helping to filter out toxins and excess substances from the bloodstream.

Anatomy

The renal pelvis is a funnel-shaped space in the kidney, located at the superior end of the ureter. It is surrounded by renal tissue and is divided into two or three major calyces, each of which is further divided into minor calyces. The minor calyces surround the renal papillae, which are the tips of the renal pyramids where urine is initially formed.

Function

The primary function of the renal pelvis is to act as a conduit for urine from the kidney to the ureter. As urine is formed in the kidney, it flows from the renal papillae into the minor calyces, then into the major calyces, and finally into the renal pelvis. From the renal pelvis, urine flows down the ureter to the bladder, where it is stored until it can be excreted from the body.

Clinical significance

Diseases and conditions that can affect the renal pelvis include kidney stones, pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidney and renal pelvis), and renal cell carcinoma (a type of kidney cancer that can originate in the renal pelvis). These conditions can cause symptoms such as pain, blood in the urine, and urinary tract infections. Treatment options depend on the specific condition and can include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery.

See also

• Kidney
• Ureter
• Urinary system
• Kidney stones
• Pyelonephritis
• Renal cell carcinoma

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  Illustration of the kidney

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  Renal pelves and calices

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  Gray's Anatomy illustration 1118

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