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AnatomyAbdomenKidneys and uretersRenal pelvis
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AnatomyAbdomenKidneys and uretersRenal pelvis

Renal pelvis

Author: Nicola McLaren, MSc • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Internal structure of the kidney [06:47]
Renal cortex and related structures.
Renal pelvis
Pelvis renalis
1/5
Synonyms: none

The renal pelvis is an expanded funnel shaped area through which urine travels. It is located within the medial, concave surface of the kidney, filling the renal sinus. The apex of the renal pelvis extends outwards from the kidney, and becomes continuous with the superior end of the ureter.

Urine is formed inside the kidney by nephrons. The liquid then travels to the urinary bladder through a series of tubes and funnel like structures. The flow follows this sequence: nephron collecting duct > renal papilla of renal pyramid > minor calices > major calices > renal pelvis > ureter > urinary bladder.

Terminology English: Renal pelvis
Latin: Pelvis renalis
Definition and function Funnel shaped structure through which urine travels from the kidney and into the ureter

Learn more about the anatomy of the kidney with this study unit:

Kidneys Explore study unit

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. (2017). Clinically oriented anatomy (8th ed.). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

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