Reniculate kidney
Reniculate Kidney
The Reniculate Kidney is a type of kidney found in certain mammals, including some cetaceans and pinnipeds. The term "reniculate" is derived from the Latin word "reniculi", which means "little kidneys". This term is used to describe the kidney's unique structure, which is composed of multiple small lobes, each functioning as a separate kidney.
Etymology[edit | edit source]
The term "reniculate" is derived from the Latin word "reniculi", which means "little kidneys". This term is used to describe the kidney's unique structure, which is composed of multiple small lobes, each functioning as a separate kidney.
Structure and Function[edit | edit source]
The reniculate kidney is not a single, unified organ, but rather a collection of small, individual kidneys. Each of these "little kidneys" is known as a reniculus. Each reniculus is a self-contained unit, with its own renal cortex, renal medulla, and renal pelvis. This structure allows each reniculus to function independently, filtering waste from the blood and producing urine.
The reniculate kidney is particularly well-suited to the needs of marine mammals. The independent functioning of each reniculus allows the kidney to continue functioning even if some reniculi are damaged or fail. This is particularly important for animals that live in harsh or unpredictable environments, where injury or illness may be common.
Animals with Reniculate Kidneys[edit | edit source]
Reniculate kidneys are found in a variety of marine mammals, including some species of dolphins, seals, and whales. These animals often live in environments where they are exposed to high levels of salt, and the reniculate kidney's ability to filter out this salt is crucial for their survival.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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