Anatomy Exam Gross Anatomy of the Kidney 3

Question 1

What type of epithelium lines the renal pelvis?

Accepted Answer

Transitional (urothelium)

Answer

The renal pelvis, like the ureter and bladder, is lined by transitional epithelium (urothelium) capable of stretching.

Question 2

Which segment of the nephron lies in the renal medulla exclusively?

Accepted Answer

Loop of Henle

Answer

The loop of Henle (especially the thin descending and thin ascending limbs) dips into the renal medulla to create the osmotic gradient.

Question 3

Renal columns (columns of Bertin) are extensions of which renal zone into the medulla?

Accepted Answer

Renal cortex

Answer

Renal columns are inward projections of cortical tissue that extend between adjacent renal pyramids.

Question 4

How many renal pyramids are typically found in an adult human kidney?

Accepted Answer

8–18

Answer

An adult kidney typically contains 8–18 renal pyramids, each representing a renal lobe.

Question 5

A minor calyx receives urine directly from which structure?

Accepted Answer

Renal papilla

Answer

Each minor calyx cups one renal papilla (the apex of a pyramid) and collects urine draining from the collecting ducts.

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