Glossary for Kidney Anatomy

Knowing the basic anatomy of the kidney is particularly important for understanding many diseases affecting the kidneys. Also, it is very helpful for understanding radiology tests and invasive procedures.

Anatomical Sections

If you remove a kidney and cut it open, you will be able to identify various anatomical sections. Here are the most important:

• Perirenal Fat
• Renal Capsule
• Renal Cortex
• Renal Medulla
• Medullary Pyramid
• Calyx
• Renal Pelvis
• Renal Sinus

Vessels

A vessel is a tube that transports something. These vessels transport either blood, urine, or fluid reabsorbed from the urine.

• Renal Artery
• Renal Vein
• Renal Lymphatics
• Ureter