Organ
Renal pelvis
The upper urinary funnel between calyces and ureter
High-yield
The pelvis is conventionally behind the major hilar vessels, but posterior vascular branches mean it is not invariably the rearmost hilar structure.
Overview
Major calyces unite into the renal pelvis, whose tapering outlet becomes the ureter. The proportion lying within or beyond the sinus varies. Urothelium covers its lumen and smooth muscle contributes to coordinated urine transport.
Reference facts
- Location
- Occupies part of the renal sinus and may extend beyond the hilum before narrowing toward the ureter over psoas.
- Parts
- Intrarenal and variably prominent extrarenal portions end at the ureteropelvic junction.
- Blood supply
- Small branches of the renal arterial system reach its wall and surrounding tissues.
- Innervation
- Renal and upper ureteric autonomic plexuses accompany it; distension activates visceral afferents associated with flank pain.
- Function
- Collects calyceal urine and conveys it into the ureter through coordinated smooth-muscle activity.
Clinical correlation
Urothelial tumors can arise in the pelvis and may coexist with disease elsewhere in the urinary lining. Acute obstruction can raise pressure enough to cause forniceal urine leakage into adjacent tissues.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the renal pelvis located?
The renal pelvis lies occupies part of the renal sinus and may extend beyond the hilum before narrowing toward the ureter over psoas.
What does the renal pelvis do?
Collects calyceal urine and conveys it into the ureter through coordinated smooth-muscle activity.
What are the parts of the renal pelvis?
The parts of the renal pelvis are the intrarenal and variably prominent extrarenal portions end at the ureteropelvic junction.
What is the blood supply of the renal pelvis?
The renal pelvis is supplied by the small branches of the renal arterial system reach its wall and surrounding tissues.