Question

Which of the following is not found in the renal cortex:
1. Henle’s loop
2. Vasa recta
3. Glomerulus
4. Bowman capsule
A. 1, 2, and 3
B. 1 and 2
C. 2 and 4
D. 1 and 3

Answer 1

Hint: The kidney is a bean-shaped organ that lies in the lower abdominal area. It has two main zones. One is the renal medulla, it is the inner region of the kidney and contains renal pyramids. Nephrons are functional units of the kidney. The other zone is the renal cortex that lies outer to the renal medulla. It connects the blood vessels to nephrons.

Complete step by step answer: The kidney is an important organ of the body that maintains the homeostasis of the body by removing waste from the blood and by filtering and absorbing important chemicals from the blood. It is a bean-shaped organ present in a pair in the lower abdomen of humans. -Each side of the lower abdomen consists of one kidney. The kidney consists of two main zones that regulate different functions. One of the zones is called the renal medulla. This is the inner portion of the kidney that contains the renal pyramids. These renal pyramids are made by a grouping of nephron cells. -Nephrons are the key units of the kidney that contains Glomerulus and Bowman’s capsule as their key components that help in the filtering of the incoming blood from blood vessels. Henle's loop is also connected to this zone. It helps in creating a concentration gradient in the medulla.
-The Vasa recta is a collection of straight arterioles and venules. The straight arterioles enter the renal medulla directly from the top and leave it as straight venules. This network prevents washout of the concentration gradient from the renal medulla.
-The second major zone is called the renal cortex. Its main function is to supply blood to the renal pyramids in the renal medulla. It consists of blood vessels directly connected to nephrons. Also, it contains a major part of glomeruli.

Hence, the right option is option B that states that Henle’s loop and Vasa recta are not parts of the renal cortex.

Note: The renal cortex appears pale brown or reddish in color. It is distinguished from the renal medulla in various ways. It acts as a filter for the blood. It majorly contains glomeruli and convoluted tubules of the nephrons. Also, it produces a hormone that regulates the synthesis of new blood cells.