Organ
Renal cortex
The glomerulus-containing outer renal tissue
High-yield
Glomeruli occur in the cortex, including near its medullary border. A prominent column of normal cortical tissue can mimic a renal mass on imaging.
Overview
Renal cortex covers the pyramid bases and extends between them as renal columns. Its labyrinth contains corpuscles and convoluted tubules, while medullary rays contain straight tubules and collecting ducts despite lying within the cortex.
Reference facts
- Location
- Beneath the fibrous capsule and between medullary pyramids; measured thickness varies by region and imaging method.
- Parts
- Cortical labyrinth with corpuscles and convoluted tubules, plus medullary rays containing straight tubular and collecting segments.
- Blood supply
- Cortical radiate branches feed afferent arterioles; efferent vessels supply the surrounding peritubular network.
- Innervation
- Renal sympathetic fibers regulate associated vessels, renin release and tubular transport.
- Function
- Contains all glomerular filtration sites and much of the kidney's reabsorptive and secretory machinery.
Clinical correlation
Cortical necrosis can follow severe microvascular injury, including shock-associated coagulation disorders. It is distinct from typical ischemic tubular injury, which often affects metabolically active outer-medullary tubules; the medulla is not simply protected for longer by its vessels.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the renal cortex located?
Beneath the fibrous capsule and between medullary pyramids; measured thickness varies by region and imaging method.
What does the renal cortex do?
Contains all glomerular filtration sites and much of the kidney's reabsorptive and secretory machinery.
What are the parts of the renal cortex?
Cortical labyrinth with corpuscles and convoluted tubules, plus medullary rays containing straight tubular and collecting segments.
What is the blood supply of the renal cortex?
Cortical radiate branches feed afferent arterioles; efferent vessels supply the surrounding peritubular network.