In an adult, the length of each kidney is about 10 cm long, 5.5 cm in width and about 3 cm thick, and weighs about 150 grams. Together, the two kidneys weigh about 0.5% of a human's total body weight. The human kidneys are "bean-shaped" organs, and have a distinct concaved side facing inwards. On this inward side of each kidney is an opening that is called the hilum. The hilum is the part of the kidney that admits the renal artery, the renal vein, nerves, and the ureter.
The outer portion of the kidney is called the renal cortex. The renal cortex is located directly beneath the kidney's loose connective tissue/fibrous capsule. Deep in the cortex is the renal medulla. The renal medulla is divided into 10-20 renal pyramids. Each pyramid together with the associated overlying cortex creates the renal lobe. The tip of each pyramid is called a papilla. The papilla empties into a calyx, and the calices empty into the renal pelvis. The pelvis sends urine to the urinary bladder via the ureter. These are the basic parts and layers of the human kidney.
The outer portion of the kidney is called the renal cortex. The renal cortex is located directly beneath the kidney's loose connective tissue/fibrous capsule. Deep in the cortex is the renal medulla. The renal medulla is divided into 10-20 renal pyramids. Each pyramid together with the associated overlying cortex creates the renal lobe. The tip of each pyramid is called a papilla. The papilla empties into a calyx, and the calices empty into the renal pelvis. The pelvis sends urine to the urinary bladder via the ureter. These are the basic parts and layers of the human kidney.
