Which structure collects urine directly from the renal papillae?

Which structure collects urine directly from the renal papillae?

• A. Major calyx
• B. Renal pelvis
• C. Ureter
• D. Minor calyx

Answer: (D)

Urine from the papillae enters the first part of the calyx system, which is the minor calyx. The tip of each renal pyramid—the papilla—opens into a surrounding minor calyx, which collects urine from the papillary ducts. Several minor calyces funnel into a major calyx, then into the renal pelvis and finally the ureter. So the minor calyx is the structure that collects urine directly from the renal papillae.

Urine from the papillae enters the first part of the calyx system, which is the minor calyx. The tip of each renal pyramid—the papilla—opens into a surrounding minor calyx, which collects urine from the papillary ducts. Several minor calyces funnel into a major calyx, then into the renal pelvis and finally the ureter. So the minor calyx is the structure that collects urine directly from the renal papillae.