Medulla is the inner layer of the kidney that allows drainage of urine from the cortex. Which part of the kidney is described as the medulla?

Medulla is the inner layer of the kidney that allows drainage of urine from the cortex. Which part of the kidney is described as the medulla?

• A. Cortex
• B. Renal Pelvis
• C. Cortical Columns
• D. Medulla

Answer: (D)

The medulla is the inner region of the kidney, made up of the renal pyramids and the tissue between them. It contains the collecting ducts and portions of the nephron (like the loops of Henle) that concentrate and drain urine toward the papillae. From there urine flows into minor calyces, then major calyces, and on to the renal pelvis before entering the ureter. The cortex is the outer layer housing most glomeruli and proximal/distal tubules, while cortical columns are extensions of the cortex that separate the pyramids and are not part of the medulla. The renal pelvis is the central collecting area that feeds the ureter, not the medulla.

The medulla is the inner region of the kidney, made up of the renal pyramids and the tissue between them. It contains the collecting ducts and portions of the nephron (like the loops of Henle) that concentrate and drain urine toward the papillae. From there urine flows into minor calyces, then major calyces, and on to the renal pelvis before entering the ureter. The cortex is the outer layer housing most glomeruli and proximal/distal tubules, while cortical columns are extensions of the cortex that separate the pyramids and are not part of the medulla. The renal pelvis is the central collecting area that feeds the ureter, not the medulla.