Definition
noun, singular: kidney calyx
Funnel-shaped structures that allow passage of the urine from the ducts of the renal pyramids to the renal pelvis
Supplement
The kidney calices are of two forms: major calices and minor calices. The minor calices are funnel-shaped structures, each surrounding renal papilla(e). Minor calices converge to form major calices that open to the renal pelvis. Thus, the urine drains from the papillary ducts (of renal papillae) to the minor calices, next to the major calices, and then to the renal pelvis.
Also called:
- renal calyses
