Renal pyramids

Renal Pyramids

The Renal Pyramids are cone-shaped tissues of the kidney. In humans, the renal medulla is made up of 10-18 of these structures. The broad base of each pyramid faces the renal cortex, and its apex, or papilla, points internally towards the pelvis. The pyramids appear striped because they are formed by straight parallel segments of nephrons and collecting ducts.

Structure

The renal pyramids are located in the medulla of the kidney. The base of each pyramid originates from the cortex and its apex ends in a renal papilla. The renal pyramids along with the adjoining cortical region are termed as a lobule.

Function

The renal pyramids, along with the renal cortex, are involved in the process of filtering and purifying the blood. This process helps to remove waste products and convert filtrate into urine. The renal pyramids accomplish this through a system of nephrons and collecting ducts. These structures perform three main processes: filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.

Clinical significance

Diseases of the renal pyramids are typically identified through ultrasound imaging. Conditions such as pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidney due to a bacterial infection) and renal cell carcinoma (a type of kidney cancer) can affect the renal pyramids.

See also

• Kidney
• Renal medulla
• Renal cortex
• Nephron

References

Renal pyramids Resources
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