The kidneys are solid organs found in the middle back that are responsible for removing water and water soluble waste from the blood. The waste produced by the kidneys is called urine. Urine drains from the kidneys through that ureters to the bladder. Urine is stored in the bladder until it is convenient to excrete from the body through the urethra.

Structures of the kidney:

1.Renal pyramid - One of multiple cone-shaped portions of the kidney where urine is removed from blood and drained into the renal calices.

2.Interlobar artery - One of the mid-sized blood vessels that bring blood to the nephron to be filtered. 

3.Renal artery - The main blood vessel that brings blood to the kidney from the aorta.

4.Renal vein - The main  blood vessel that brings blood away from the kidney back to the inferior vena cava.

5.Renal hylum - This is where tubes enter and leave the kidney.

6.Renal pelvis - This is where urine collects prior to leaving the kidney. 

7.Ureter- This is the tube where urine drains from the kidney to the bladder.

8.Minor calyx- This is one of the mid-sized tubes that collects urine to be drained from the kidney.

9.Renal capsule- This is the outer covering of the kidney. 

10.Inferior renal capsule- This is the bottom part of the outer covering the kidney.

11.Superior renal capsule- This is the top part of the outer covering of the kidney.

12.Interlobar vein- One of the mid-sized blood vessels that brings blood away from the nephron.

13.Nephron- This is the working unit of the kidney.

14.Minor calyx- This is one of the mid-sized tubes that collects urine to be drained from the kidney.

15.Major calyx- This is one of the large tubes that collects urine to be drained from the kidney.

16.Renal papilla- This is the pointed end of a renal pyramid.

17.Renal column- This is a solid portion of the kidney where blood vessels travel to and from the nephron.

Illustration by Piotr Michał Jaworski. 2006. Used with permission.

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