Papillary Duct Quick Facts
The papillary duct is a wide terminal tubule in the renal pyramid, formed by the union of several straight collecting tubules and emptying into the renal pelvis in the area cribrosa (Dorland, 2011).
Papillary Duct Structure and/or Key Features
Papillary ducts are considered the most distal portion of the collecting ducts. Small muscle fibers that extend from the renal papillae to the minor calyces’ contract to facilitate the flow of renal filtrate through the papillary ducts and their openings.
Papillary Duct Anatomical Relations
Papillary ducts pass through the openings in the renal papillae and drain into minor calyces.
Papillary Duct Function
Papillary ducts facilitate the transport of renal filtrate into minor calyces.
Papillary Duct References
Dorland, W. (2011) Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 32nd edn. Philadelphia, USA: Elsevier Saunders.
