Final answer:
The columns of Bertin, or renal columns, are bands of renal tissue extending inward to the renal sinus from the renal cortex into the renal medulla, containing blood vessels and connective tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The columns of Bertin, also known as renal columns, are extensions of the renal cortex into the renal medulla. They serve to separate the renal pyramids and contain blood vessels and connective tissues. The renal columns radiate downward from the cortex through the medulla and play a critical role in supporting the framework for vessels that enter and exit the cortex. This anatomical feature helps to divide the kidney into 6-8 lobes, thereby organizing the internal structure of the kidney, which is essential for its function in filtering blood, excreting waste, and regulating various body functions. In summary, the columns of Bertin are bands of renal tissue extending inward to the renal sinus, encompassing connective tissue and vascular structures within the kidney.