The renal or kidney medulla is the inner part of the kidney. The medulla helps regulate the concentration of urine by filtering out water, salts, and acid.
The
The three main internal regions of the kidney include the:
- renal cortex
- renal medulla
- renal pelvis or hilum, where ureters, nerves, and blood vessels enter and leave the organ
Read on to learn more about the anatomy, function, and medical conditions of the kidney medulla.
The medulla is the inner part of the kidney.
It consists of cone-shaped renal pyramids that contain the blood vessels and tubular structures of nephrons. The
The blood vessels and tubular structures within the medulla include the:
- medullary collecting ducts
- loops of Henle
- vasa recta
- interstitium
There are approximately eight pyramids in each kidney.
The renal medulla also consists of the renal columns, which are the spaces between the renal pyramids, and the renal papillae.
The renal papillae refer to the tips of the renal pyramids, which collect the remainder of the filtrate that consists of waste and solutions. The papillae then deliver the filtrate, or urine, into minor calyces, which connect to the ureters to deliver it to the bladder.
Where is it in relation to the cortex?
The renal cortex sits on the outside of the medulla. The cortex makes erythropoietin, which the body uses to manufacture red blood cells.
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As fluid passes through the medulla, the loop of Henle and the collecting ducts absorb water, salts, and acids.
The loop of Henle filters water and other substances, such as sodium chloride, from the urine. The collecting tubules also reabsorb water from the urine.
The filtered fluid then travels to the part of the kidney called the renal pelvis.
Various medical conditions may affect the kidney medulla and the function of the kidney.
These include the below.
Medullary sponge kidney
This is a birth abnormality, also known as Cacchi-Ricci disease.
Small cysts form in the medulla tubules and form a sponge-like appearance. The cysts prevent the urine from flowing freely through the tubules.
People do not typically develop symptoms until they reach their
- painful or burning urination
- back pain
- lower abdominal pain
- groin pain
- urine that is cloudy or dark
- blood in the urine, or hematuria
- foul-smelling urine
- vomiting
Medullary cystic kidney
This rare, inherited condition causes fluid-filled sacs called cysts to form in the kidneys. Scarring can also affect the tubules.
People may experience the following symptoms:
- polyuria, which means a person passes atypically large amounts of urine
- excessive thirst
- weakness
- pallor, or a lack of typical color in a person’s face
- incontinence, particularly during the night
Pyelonephritis
Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the kidneys. It is a complication of a urinary tract infection.
The infection and inflammation of the renal pelvis can damage the medulla.
Pyelonephritis can cause the following symptoms:
- fever
- flank pain
- nausea
- vomiting
The symptoms will usually develop within a
Renal damage due to medications
Kidney damage can occur due to medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen.
According to a
When these lipids become inhibited, they can build up in the renal medullar. This can cause:
- papillary necrosis, a condition in the kidneys that causes the renal papillae to die
- chronic interstitial nephritis, when the tubules become inflamed
- chronic tubular interstitial nephritis, which refers to the inflammation of the tubules of the kidneys and the interstitial tissue that surrounds them
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Deterioration of kidney function due to sickle cell disease
Sickle cell disease refers to a group of inherited conditions that affect a person’s red blood cells.
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Sickle cell disease can affect the structures and function of the kidney and can lead to many conditions. These conditions can include acute kidney injury, an increased risk of urinary tract infections, chronic kidney disease, and the presence of blood in the urine.
It can also increase the risk of renal medullary carcinoma.
Renal medullary carcinoma
Renal medullary carcinoma is a rare type of cancer.
It usually affects those of African American descent who have sickle cell disease or carry its trait.
The most common symptom is blood in the urine. Other symptoms include:
- pain around the kidney area
- a mass in the abdomen on the right side
- unintended weight loss
- fevers
- night sweats
The kidney medulla is the inner part of the kidney. Its main function is to control the concentration of urine.
The loop of Henle and the collecting ducts absorb water, salts, and acids as fluid passes through the medulla.
Many conditions can damage the medulla, including medullary sponge kidney, medullary cystic kidney, kidney infection, and renal medullary carcinoma.
Some medications, such as NSAIDs and acetaminophen, can also damage the medulla.