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What is the route of urine from a renal papilla to the urethra?
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renal system
Diagram showing the location of the kidneys in the abdominal cavity and their attachment to major arteries and veins.
The route of urine from the renal papilla to the urethra follows a specific pathway through the urinary system:
- Renal Papilla: Urine exits the collecting tubules at the apex of the renal pyramid through openings known as the ducts of Bellini.12
- Minor and Major Calyxes: Urine first collects in a minor calyx, which surrounds the papilla. These minor calyxes drain into two or three major calyxes.13
- Renal Pelvis: The major calyxes empty into the renal pelvis, a funnel-shaped structure that serves as the initial reservoir for urine.43
- Ureter: Peristaltic waves propel the urine from the renal pelvis into the ureter, which transports it to the bladder.415
- Bladder and Urethra: Urine is stored in the bladder before being expelled from the body through the urethra.67