Renal medulla
598336
222649887
2008-06-30T12:53:28Z
Tjkinsey
7398122
{{Infobox Anatomy |
Name = {{PAGENAME}} |
Latin = |
GraySubject = 253 |
GrayPage = 1221 |
Image = Illu kidney.jpg |
Caption = 1: [[Parenchyma]]<BR>2: [[Renal cortex|Cortex]]<BR>3: Medulla<BR>4: [[Perirenal fat]]<BR>5: [[Renal capsule|Capsule]]<BR>6: [[Ureter]]<BR>7: [[Renal pelvis|Pelvis of kidney]]<BR>8: [[Renal artery]] and [[Renal vein]]<BR>9: [[Hilum of kidney|Hilus]]<BR>10: [[Calyx (kidney)|Calyx]] |
Image2 = Gray1127.png |
Caption2 = Vertical section of kidney. (Label "medullary sub." visible near top.) |
System = |
MeshName = Kidney+medulla |
MeshNumber = A05.810.453.466 |
DorlandsPre = |
DorlandsSuf = |
}}
The '''renal medulla''' is the innermost part of the [[kidney]]. The renal medulla is split up into a number of sections, known as the [[renal pyramids]]. Blood enters into the kidney via the renal artery, which then splits up to form the arcuate arterioles. The [[arcuate arterioles]] each in turn branch into interlobular arterioles, which finally reach the [[glomerulus (kidney)|glomeruli]]. At the glomerulus the blood reaches a highly disfavourable pressure gradient and a large exchange surface area, which forces the [[serum]] portion of the blood out of the vessel into the renal tubules. Flow continues through the renal tubules, including the proximal tubule, the [[Loop of Henle]], and finally leaves the kidney by means of the [[collecting duct]], leading to the renal [[ureter]].
==Additional images==
<gallery>
Image:Illu kidney2.jpg|Frontal section through the kidney
Image:Kidney-medulla.JPG|Microscopic cross section of the renal medulla.
Image:Njuren.gif|Kidney
</gallery>
==External links==
*[http://www.medicalengineer.co.uk/Microcirculation+of+the+Renal+Medulla.php Medical Engineer - Renal Microcirculation]
*[http://education.vetmed.vt.edu/Curriculum/VM8054/Labs/Lab23/Examples/exmedulla.htm VetMed - Renal Medulla]
{{kidney}}
{{anatomy-stub}}
[[Category:Endocrine system]]
[[Category:Kidney]]
[[es:Médula renal]]