What does the renal cortex contain?

What does the renal cortex contain?

• A. renal hilium and calyces
• B. collecting ducts and loops of Henle
• C. renal medulla and papillae
• D. convoluted tubules & renal corpuscle

Answer: (D)

The cortex contains the structures responsible for filtration and the initial stages of reabsorption: the renal corpuscles (glomerulus with Bowman's capsule) and the convoluted tubules (proximal and distal). The renal corpuscles are where plasma filtration begins, and the convoluted tubules handle most of the reabsorption and secretion that occur right after filtration. In contrast, the loops of Henle and the (medullary) collecting ducts lie mainly in the medulla, with only portions of collecting ducts reaching into the cortex. That makes convoluted tubules and renal corpuscle the best match for what the cortex contains.

The cortex contains the structures responsible for filtration and the initial stages of reabsorption: the renal corpuscles (glomerulus with Bowman's capsule) and the convoluted tubules (proximal and distal). The renal corpuscles are where plasma filtration begins, and the convoluted tubules handle most of the reabsorption and secretion that occur right after filtration. In contrast, the loops of Henle and the (medullary) collecting ducts lie mainly in the medulla, with only portions of collecting ducts reaching into the cortex. That makes convoluted tubules and renal corpuscle the best match for what the cortex contains.