Renal cortex

<p>The renal cortex is the outer portion of the <a href="/facts/Kidney/HBspPrv9">kidney</a> between the <a href="/facts/Renal_capsule/eoXntnFp">renal capsule</a> and the <a href="/facts/Renal_medulla/wl4SDWen">renal medulla</a>. In the adult, it forms a continuous smooth outer zone with a number of projections (<a href="/facts/Renal_column/4gzrm7Jz">cortical columns</a>) that extend down between the <a href="/facts/Renal_pyramids/wl4SDWen">pyramids</a>. It contains the <a href="/facts/Renal_corpuscle/A5tQAMan">renal corpuscles</a> and the <a href="/facts/Renal_tubule/ss24U1zW">renal tubules</a> except for parts of the <a href="/facts/Loop_of_Henle/G4SKYFaH">loop of Henle</a> which descend into the <a href="/facts/Renal_medulla/wl4SDWen">renal medulla</a>. It also contains blood vessels and <a href="/facts/Cortical_collecting_duct/MmpNcpLA">cortical collecting ducts</a>.
</p><p>The renal cortex is the part of the <a href="/facts/Kidney/HBspPrv9">kidney</a> where <a href="/facts/Ultrafiltration_(renal)/ky8HcoJs">ultrafiltration</a> occurs. <a href="/facts/Erythropoietin/jgYFo1R6">Erythropoietin</a> is produced in the renal cortex.
</p>

Renal cortex open-in-new

Renal cortex