Question

Draw a well labelled diagram showing internal structure of kidney.

Answer 1

Kidney

1. It is a bean-shaped organ that is present on either side of the spine and below the ribs.
2. The main function of the kidney is to filter the blood and remove the waste and toxins through urine.
3. It also maintains overall fluid balance in the body.

Structure

The kidney is divided into three regions: The outer dark cortex, medulla in the middle, and renal pelvis in the region called Hilum.

• Renal Column

They are made up of connective tissue which extends from the cortex to the medulla.

• Medullary Pyramid

It is mainly made up of tubules that transport urine from the outer part of the kidney to cup-shaped cavities.

• Calyx

It is mainly found in the apex of the medullary pyramid through which urine passes before it reaches the renal pelvis.

• Renal Artery and Vein

1. The renal artery carries blood from the heart to the kidney.
2. The right renal kidney supplies blood to the right kidney and the left renal kidney supplies blood to the left kidney.
3. The renal Vein is the blood vessel that carries blood from the kidney to the inferior vena cava, which is the largest vein that carries blood from the lower part of the body to the heart.

• Pelvis

1. It is a funnel-shaped part of the ureter.
2. Most of the calyces join in the pelvis.

• Ureter

1. The two thin tubes that connect the kidney to the urinary bladder are called return.
2. The muscles present in the ureter help the urine to push it down to the bladder.

• Renal Capsule

1. The outer surface of the kidney is covered by a membranous sheath called the renal capsule.
2. It helps in protecting the organ from any vital tissue injury.

• Cortex

1. The outermost part of the kidney is the renal cortex.
2. The glomerulus and convoluted tubule of the nephron is mainly seen in the cortex area.
3. Together with the renal capsule, the cortex also protects the kidney from any external injury.