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AnatomyAbdomenKidneys and uretersRenal papilla
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AnatomyAbdomenKidneys and uretersRenal papilla

Renal papilla

Author: Danijel Tosovic, PhD • Reviewer: Declan Tempany, BSc (Hons)
Last reviewed: February 28, 2024
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Internal structure of the kidney [06:47]
Renal cortex and related structures.
Renal papilla
Papilla renalis
1/4
Synonyms: none

The renal papilla is the apex of the renal pyramid, located at the boundary between the renal medulla and the minor calices of the renal collecting system. The renal papilla contains the terminal portions of the collecting ducts of nephrons, termed papillary ducts, which transmit urine received from connecting tubules into a minor calix.

The numerous small openings of the papillary ducts on the surface of the renal papilla gives it a distinct sieve-like appearance; this part of the renal papilla is hence termed the cribriform area.

Terminology English: Papillary duct
Latin: Papilla renalis
Definition Apex of renal pyramid
Function Transmit urine from collecting ducts into minor calyces

Learn more about the structure of the kidney with these study units and article: 

Kidneys Explore study unit
Kidney Explore study unit
Kidneys Read article

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

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