NURS 3664 Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Acute Kidney Injury, Renal Function, Renal Pelvis
Document Summary
The outer layer of the kidney is the cortex,and the inner layer is the medulla. The medulla consists of a number of pyramids. The apices (tops) of these pyramids are called papillae,through which urine passes to enter the calyces. The minor calyces widen and merge to form major calyces, which form a funnel- shaped sac called the renal pelvis. The minor and major calyces transport urine to the renal pelvis, from which it drains through the ureter to the bladder. The renal pelvis can store a small volume of urine (3 to 5 ml) Creatinine is a waste product that comes from the normal wear and tear on muscles of the body. Creatinine levels in the blood can vary depending on age, race and body size. A creatinine level of greater than 1. 2 for women and greater than 1. 4 for men may be an early sign that the kidneys are not working properly.
