IGCSE Biology revision notes based on diagrams-A Unique revision approach

Internal structure of the kidney:

After having studied the human excretory system, let us now discuss the internal structure of a kidney

2-INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF A KIDNEY

• The renal cortex, renal medulla, and renal pelvis are the three main internal regions found in a kidney.

Renal cortex: 

• It is the outer region of the kidney, between the renal capsule and the renal medulla.
• It consists of a space that contains blood vessels that connect to the nephrons.
• The cortex provides a space for arterioles and venules from the renal artery and vein, as well as the glomerular capillaries, to perfuse ( supply with blood) the nephrons of the kidney.

Renal medulla:

• This is the  inner-most region of the kidney, arranged into 5 to 8 pyramid-like structures.
• The renal medulla consists of the bulk of nephron structure.

Renal pelvis:

• The renal pelvis functions as a funnel for urine flowing to the ureter.

Renal capsule:

• The renal capsule, is a thin membraneous sheath that covers the outer surface of each kidney.

You may like to go back to other biology links as suggested below:

• IGCSE Biology revision notes-Concepts+ Board exam paper discussion
• Human Excretory system-Special Diagram based Revision notes