A sagittal section of the kidney reveals its internal structure, organized from outer to inner layers as the fibrous renal capsule, the outer renal cortex, and the inner renal medulla, which consists of cone-shaped renal pyramids. It displays the renal pelvis, calyces, and renal sinus. Key structures include the renal cortex, medulla, pyramids, calyces, and renal pelvis.
Science Source +4
Key Structures in a Sagittal Section of the Kidney:
- Renal Capsule: The outermost, tough fibrous layer.
- Renal Cortex: The outer, lighter-colored layer, containing glomeruli and convoluted tubules.
- Renal Medulla: The inner part, composed of renal pyramids, which appear as reddish-brown, striped cones.
- Renal Pyramids: The striped, cone-shaped structures within the medulla, with tips (papillae) pointing toward the renal pelvis.
- Renal Columns (Bertin's columns): Extensions of the cortex that separate the pyramids.
- Renal Calyces: Minor and major calyces, which are chambers that collect urine from the pyramids.
- Renal Pelvis: The central, funnel-shaped structure that collects urine from the calyces and narrows into the ureter.
Renal Sinus: A central cavity containing the pelvis, calyces, blood vessels, and fat.
Science Source +4
Key Anatomical Relationships:
- Superior position: The adrenal gland sits atop the kidney, separated by renal fascia.
- Orientation: The renal vessels and pelvis are found at the renal hilum, which can be visualized in this plane.
- Fat Layers: Surrounding the kidney are layers of perirenal fat (deep) and pararenal fat (superficial).
Functional Context:
The sagittal section allows visualization of the pathway of urine formation and collection, from the cortical nephrons, through the medulla, to the renal pelvis, and eventually the ureter