Question

Major calyces are ______.

A) expanded ends of nephrons
B) conical structures that are located in the renal medulla
C) large tributaries of the renal pelvis
D) the expanded ends of renal pyramids
E) basic foundation layer of the kidney

Answer 1

Major calyces are large tributaries of the renal pelvis, which receive urine from the collecting ducts in the renal pyramids and transport it to the renal pelvis and ureter.

Step-by-step explanation:

The major calyces are large tributaries of the renal pelvis. Within the kidney, the renal pelvis branches out into two or three extensions called the major calyces, which further branch into minor calyces. These structures are involved in the collection and transport of urine from the collecting ducts to the renal pelvis, and then to the ureter which leads to the urinary bladder. The renal pyramids, which contain the collecting ducts, are six to eight cone-shaped tissues in the medulla of the kidney. The tips of the renal pyramids, called renal papillae, point toward the renal pelvis. Urine produced by the nephrons flows through the collecting ducts, which drain into the minor calyces. From here, it passes into the major calyces and eventually into the renal pelvis before being transported to the bladder through the ureters.