Question

The collecting ducts in the kidney converge to form
A. Pyramid
B. Calyx
C. Pelvis
D. Columns of Bertin

Answer 1

Hint: Distal tubules from different nephrons join to the collecting ducts. Collecting ducts then join to form a cone-shaped structure of medulla into which the filtrate is released.

Complete answer: A kidney has an outer cortical portion and an inner medullary portion. The functional unit of the kidney is the nephron.
A nephron has a few parts: Bowman’s capsule, glomerulus, proximal tubule, Henle’s loop, distal tubule.
1. Distal tubules from different nephrons join to form a collecting duct.
2. Usually, the capsule and glomerulus portion of nephrons remain in the cortex while some Henle’s loops and collecting ducts move into the medullary portion.
3. Several collecting ducts unite together to form medullary rays. These open into the medulla of the kidney.
4. The medulla consists of a few cone-shaped or pyramid-shaped masses called medullary pyramids which project into the calyces (minor calyx and then to major calyx).
These structures are also called renal pyramids.

So, the correct answer is A. Pyramid.

Note: The renal pyramids are connected to the calyces and the calyces then join the renal pelvis. From the renal pelvis, the ureter carries away the excretory fluid to the urethra. Their urine is stored temporarily before excretion.