what are the kidneys three main sections?
The kidneys are important organs responsible for the removal of waste products and excess fluid from the body through the production of urine
The kidneys are important organs responsible for the removal of waste products and excess fluid from the body through the production of urine. They are bean-shaped and located in the upper abdominal cavity, just below the ribcage, one on each side of the spine. The kidneys can be divided into three main sections:
1. Renal Cortex: This is the outermost layer of the kidney, which acts as a protective covering. The renal cortex contains millions of tiny filtering units called nephrons, which are responsible for the filtration and purification of blood. Each nephron consists of a glomerulus, a cluster of small capillaries where blood is filtered, and a tubule that performs reabsorption and secretion processes to regulate the composition of the filtrate.
2. Renal Medulla: Located in the middle of the kidney, the renal medulla consists of triangular-shaped structures called renal pyramids. The medulla contains tubules that collect the filtrate from nephrons and transport it towards the renal pelvis, which is located towards the innermost part of the kidney. The renal pyramids are responsible for the concentration of urine by reabsorbing water and producing a concentrated filtrate.
3. Renal Pelvis: The renal pelvis is the innermost part of the kidney and resembles a funnel. It collects the urine produced by the nephrons and transports it towards the ureters, which carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The renal pelvis also contains calyces, which are cup-shaped structures that surround the renal pyramids and collect urine before it enters the ureters.
The three main sections of the kidney, namely the renal cortex, renal medulla, and renal pelvis, work together to filter blood, remove waste products, regulate fluid balance, and maintain homeostasis within the body.
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