STRUCTURE

●       Renal Cortex is light colored and smooth outer portion of the kidneys. It can be clearly seen in cross section of a kidney and appears as smooth outer part with projections between Pyramids.

●       Renal Cortex contains upper part of the Nephrons (functional unit of kidney which form urine by filtration) which include

• Glomerulus

• Bowman’s Capsule

• Renal tubules except loop of Henle

●       Renal Cortex also contains blood vessels, connective tissue and Collecting Ducts.

FUNCTION

•   Renal Cortex is part of the kidney where filtration for Urine formation occurs.
•   Renal Cortex also produces Erythropoietin which induces production of haemoglobin and Red Blood Cells.

CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

•   Renal Cortex is the site affected mostly in kidney infections.
•   Autoimmune Diseases affect Renal Cortex.
•   Cancer can develop in Renal Cortex.