Anatomy of the Urinary System

The urinary system is responsible for filtration of blood to accomplish the removal of metabolic wastes. The kidneys are responsible for the filtration process. There are two major regions within the kidney: the cortex and the medulla. Within these regions are sections of the actual functional units of the kidney, known as nephrons.

Nephrons consist of a capsular portion, which contains a tuft of capillaries called the glomerulus. These capsules are located primarily in the cortex (cortical region) of the kidney. Extending from the capsular portion are a series of tubules: the proximal convoluted,  nephron loop (loop of Henle), and distal convoluted tubules. Portions of these tubules extend into the medulla (medullary region) of the kidney.

1. Micrographs
• Kidney Cortex
• Transitional Epithelium
2. Photographs
• Urinary System-Cat
• Sheep Kidney
3. Quiz