Which renal region contains the loops of Henle and collecting tubules?

Which renal region contains the loops of Henle and collecting tubules?

• A. Cortex
• B. Medulla
• C. Pelvis
• D. Calyces

Answer: (B)

Renal medulla. The loops of Henle extend from the cortex down into the medulla and play a key role in creating the osmotic gradient that concentrates urine. The collecting tubules run through the medulla on their way to the papilla, where urine enters the calyces. In contrast, the cortex mainly contains the glomeruli and much of the proximal and distal tubules, while the pelvis and calyces form the central collecting pathway. So the structures in question reside primarily in the medulla.

Renal medulla. The loops of Henle extend from the cortex down into the medulla and play a key role in creating the osmotic gradient that concentrates urine. The collecting tubules run through the medulla on their way to the papilla, where urine enters the calyces. In contrast, the cortex mainly contains the glomeruli and much of the proximal and distal tubules, while the pelvis and calyces form the central collecting pathway. So the structures in question reside primarily in the medulla.