Renal papilla
Encyclopedia
In the kidney
, the renal papilla is the location where the medullary pyramids empty urine into the minor calyx
. Histologically it is marked by medullary collecting ducts
converging to form a duct of Bellini
to channel the fluid. Transitional epithelium begins to be seen.
.
Kidney
The kidneys, organs with several functions, serve essential regulatory roles in most animals, including vertebrates and some invertebrates. They are essential in the urinary system and also serve homeostatic functions such as the regulation of electrolytes, maintenance of acid–base balance, and...
, the renal papilla is the location where the medullary pyramids empty urine into the minor calyx
Minor calyx
The minor calyx, in the kidney, surrounds the apex of the renal pyramids. Urine formed in the kidney passes through a papilla at the apex into the minor calyx then into the major calyx....
. Histologically it is marked by medullary collecting ducts
Collecting duct system
The collecting duct system of the kidney consists of a series of tubules and ducts that connect the nephrons to the ureter. It participates in electrolyte and fluid balance through reabsorption and excretion, processes regulated by the hormones aldosterone and antidiuretic hormone.There are several...
converging to form a duct of Bellini
Duct of Bellini
The duct of Bellini is an anatomical structure of the kidneys, also known as papillary duct.The straight or collecting tubes commence in the radiate part of the renal cortex, where they receive the curved ends of the distal convoluted tubules.They unite at short intervals with one another, the...
to channel the fluid. Transitional epithelium begins to be seen.
Role in disease
Some chemicals toxic to the kidney, called nephrotoxins, exert their damage at the renal papillae. Damage to the renal papillae may result in death to cells in this region of the kidney, called renal papillary necrosisRenal papillary necrosis
Renal papillary necrosis is a form of nephropathy involving the necrosis of the renal papilla, which is supplied by the vasa recta.-Causes:Analgesic nephropathy is a cause of renal papillary necrosis. The damage is cumulative and most patients of renal papillary necrosis would have ingested at...
.