Renal cortex

The renal cortex is the outer portion of the kidney between the renal capsule and the renal medulla. In the adult, it forms a continuous smooth outer zone with a number of projections (cortical columns) that extend down between the pyramids. It contains the renal corpuscles and the renal tubules except for parts of the loop of Henle which descend into the renal medulla. It also contains blood vessels and cortical collecting ducts.

Renal cortex
Kidney anatomy, with renal cortex labeled at top.
Details
SystemUrinary system
Identifiers
LatinCortex renalis
MeSHD007672
TA98A08.1.01.015
TA23368
FMA15581
Anatomical terminology

The renal cortex is the part of the kidney where ultrafiltration occurs. Erythropoietin is produced in the renal cortex.

Additional images

Contains afferent arterioles

  • Anatomy photo:40:06-0103 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center - "Posterior Abdominal Wall: Internal Structure of a Kidney"


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