Renal columns

Renal columns are anatomical structures within the kidney that are composed of lines of blood vessels and urinary tubes and are covered by a fibrous material. They are located in the medulla of the kidney, and extend from the cortex, the outer layer of the kidney, to the innermost part of the kidney, the renal pelvis. The renal columns are named for Bertin, a French anatomist who first described them in the early 19th century.

Structure

The renal columns are located between the renal pyramids. They consist of the same tissue as the outer cortical region. This tissue includes the interlobular blood vessels and the urinary tubes. The renal columns are an extension of the cortex in between the renal pyramids. They allow the cortex to be better anchored. Each column consists of lines of blood vessels and urinary tubes and is covered by a fibrous material.

Function

The renal columns aid in the regulation of blood flow through the kidneys. They do this by separating the renal pyramids from each other and providing a space through which the blood vessels can travel from the cortex to the medulla. This allows for the efficient exchange of blood and waste products.

Clinical significance

The renal columns can be affected by various medical conditions. For example, in renal column hypertrophy, the columns become enlarged. This can be caused by conditions such as chronic glomerulonephritis, a type of kidney disease. In addition, the renal columns can be affected by renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer.

See also

• Kidney
• Renal pyramids
• Renal cortex
• Renal medulla
• Renal pelvis
• Renal column hypertrophy
• Renal cell carcinoma

References

Renal columns Resources
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