Structure/Morphology
The renal cortex is made up predominately of the renal corpuscles (glomeruli & Bowman’s capsules), the majority of renal tubules, blood vessels, and the portion of collecting ducts within the cortex.
Related parts of the anatomy
Anatomical Relations
The renal cortex is superficial to the deeper renal medulla. It is a semicircular mass of tissue, which spans from the base of the renal pyramids to the renal capsule.
Function
This portion of the kidney is responsible for the “ultrafiltration” function of the kidney, which includes filtering of liquid waste, reabsorption of useful substances (ions, vitamins, and small proteins), and regulation of water in the body. This is also the location in which erythropoietin is produced and released into the blood stream, which controls the production of red blood cells.
List of Clinical Correlates
—Polycystic Kidney
