Describe the structure of a human kidney with the help of a labelled diagram.

Explanation

(1) In a vertical section or longitudinal section the kidney shows two regions, viz. the outer renal cortex and inner renal medulla.
(2) The entire kidney is covered by fatty tissue called adipose capsule.
(3) Outer layer of this capsule is called renal fascia, which is made up of tough fibrous conective tissue.
(4) Renal cortex is the darker and outer region of kidney. While renal medulla is lighter in colour and shows a number of pyramidal regions called renal pyramids. There are 6 to 20 renal pyramids.
(5) Each renal pyramid has a wide. base attached to the cortex and narrow apex directed towards an inner space. Pyramids show striations that converge towards the apex. The tip of the renal pyramid is called calyx. This space is called renal papillae.
(6) The part of the cortex that continues inside the medulla between the pyramids is called columns of Bertini. Renal sinus/pelvis is the large funnel-shaped space seen near the hilus. Urine trickles into pelvis and then enters the ureters which start from pelvis.
13/Navneet 21 M. L. Question Sets: Biology-Std. XII D0215 (2020)
(7) The edge of the pelvis contains cup-like major and minor calyces. Each minor calyx receives urine from collecting ducts.
(8) About 7 -8 collecting ducts join to form duct of Bellini towards papilla of pyramid.