Structure of the kidney

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/triple_ocr_gateway/the_living_body/waste_disposal/revision/4/

According to BBC Bitesize, you need to be able to describe the structure of the kidney. The key parts and their functions are below:

Renal cortex (aka just 'cortex')

• Filters plasma fluids
• Physically support(s) blood vessels
• Helps acid-base regulation by creating ammonia for titrating urine acidity
• Highly involved in regulating metabolic wastes (like urea)
• Aids the excretion of diluted or concentrated urine

Medulla

• Helps maintain balance of salt and water in the blood
• Aids in reabsorption of water

Renal artery / vein

• artery carries oxygenated blood into the kidneys to be filtered
• renal vein carries deoxygenated blood out of the kidneys
• renal vein transports 'purified' blood to the heart

Ureter

• Carries urine from the kidney(s) to the urinary bladder
• It's a little tube-like thing with walls that are fiborous, muscular and have a mucus coat and are able to contract.

This website is particularly helpful and gives detailed information on the structure of the kidneys. >> click here <<