Renal medulla

Definition

The renal medulla is the innermost part of the kidney, consisting primarily of renal pyramids. It plays a crucial role in concentrating urine and maintaining the body's water and salt balance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The renal medulla contains structures called renal pyramids, which are essential for filtering blood and forming urine.
2. Blood flow through the renal medulla is lower compared to other parts of the kidney to facilitate efficient reabsorption of water and solutes.
3. The Loop of Henle, located in the renal medulla, is critical for establishing a concentration gradient that allows for water reabsorption.
4. Collecting ducts within the renal medulla transport urine from the nephrons to the renal pelvis.
5. Hormones like antidiuretic hormone (ADH) act on the collecting ducts in the renal medulla to regulate water reabsorption.

Review Questions

• What structures are found within the renal medulla that are essential for urine formation?
• How does blood flow in the renal medulla compare to other parts of the kidney, and why is this difference important?
• What role does the Loop of Henle play in maintaining water and salt balance?

Related terms

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

renal cortex:

The outer part of the kidney where initial stages of blood filtration occur.

antidiuretic hormone (ADH): A hormone that regulates water balance by acting on kidneys to increase water reabsorption.