Renal medulla

Definition

The renal medulla is the innermost part of the kidney, arranged into pyramid-shaped regions. It plays a crucial role in concentrating urine and maintaining salt and water balance in the body.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The renal medulla contains structures called nephrons, which are essential for filtering blood and forming urine.
2. It is composed primarily of loops of Henle and collecting ducts that help concentrate urine by reabsorbing water and solutes.
3. Adequate nutrition, including proper hydration and electrolyte balance, significantly affects the function of the renal medulla.
4. Dysfunction in the renal medulla can lead to conditions such as acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease.
5. High protein diets can increase the workload on the renal medulla due to higher urea production, impacting its function.

Review Questions

• What structures within the renal medulla are essential for filtering blood?
• How does adequate hydration influence the functioning of the renal medulla?
• Why might a high protein diet affect the health of the renal medulla?

Related terms

Nephron:

The functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and forming urine.

Loop of Henle: A section of the nephron that concentrates urine by reabsorbing water and salts.

Collecting Ducts: Tubules that collect urine from nephrons and transport it to the renal pelvis.