Renal papilla

Definition

Renal papilla is the tip of a renal pyramid that projects into a minor calyx within the kidney. It plays a crucial role in the drainage of urine from the renal pyramids into the urinary system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The renal papilla is where urine flows from the collecting ducts into the minor calyces.
2. Each kidney contains several renal papillae, corresponding to its multiple renal pyramids.
3. Damage or obstruction at the renal papilla can lead to impaired urine flow and potential kidney damage.
4. Nutrition and hydration levels can influence the health of renal papillae by affecting overall kidney function.
5. Pathologies such as papillary necrosis can affect the renal papilla and are often linked to conditions like diabetes and prolonged use of NSAIDs.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of the renal papilla?
• How does nutrition impact the health of renal papillae?
• Which pathologies are commonly associated with damage to the renal papilla?

Related terms

Renal Pyramid: Cone-shaped tissues within the kidney that contain nephrons and tubules for filtering blood and producing urine

Minor Calyx: A structure in which urine from each renal pyramid drains before moving into major calyces, then to the ureter

Nephron: The functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood, reabsorbing essential substances, and producing urine