Anatomy
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is the Renal Cortex?

Dulce Corazon
Dulce Corazon

The renal cortex is basically the secondary layer of the kidneys in humans and most other mammals. It tends to be thicker than most of the organ’s inner tissues, and in many ways serves to protect the organ and keep it insulated. The cortex contains mostly nephrons, which are the basic functional units of the kidneys, as well as blood vessels. A number of renal tubules can also be found here. The cortex essentially acts as an anchor for many of the different passageways in the kidney that enable to organ to function. Proper kidney function is essential to overall health, which makes this part of the organ a very important one. Without it, the systems and processes would be a lot more fragile and potentially unstable. Consequently, problems with the cortex or weaknesses anywhere in its surface can lead to a number of potentially life-threatening medical conditions.

Kidney Basics

The renal cortex protects and insulates the kidneys.
The renal cortex protects and insulates the kidneys.

People typically have two kidneys, and their basic function is to filter the blood and remove waste products inside the body. The cortex is usually thought of as a sort of an insulation layer. It isn’t the outermost covering, but it isn’t really in the middle, either. Some people think about it like the pith of an orange: it is below the peel, but above the fruit. The cortex is part of the organ certainly, but its main role is usually to hold things in and provide something of a protective coating. Many important parts of the kidney infrastructure also start and sometimes even end here, too.

Heart disease may cause the renal cortex to improperly function.
Heart disease may cause the renal cortex to improperly function.

Nephrons, for example, are very plentiful in the cortex. These are the basic functional units of the kidneys, with each kidney having a million or more of these important structures. In each nephron there is a glomerulus and a renal tubule, which is divided into sections. The renal tubule is a long tube that winds through the organ.

In general there are three main parts of the kidney. From outside in, they are the renal capsule, the renal cortex, and the renal medulla. Each can be identified by its appearance and color. The renal capsule is a transparent membrane that lines the outer part of the kidneys and acts as protection against infection and injury. Located on the inner part of the kidneys, the medulla is darker in color and contains eight or more triangular structures known as the renal “pyramids.” The cortex is between these two. It usually has a paler color, and it extends down between the pyramids of the medulla.

Elements of the Cortex

Renal cortex problems may be diagnosed by a CT scan.
Renal cortex problems may be diagnosed by a CT scan.

Each part of the kidney contributes to the elimination of waste and formation of urine inside the body, and the cortex is no exception. Blood vessels deliver blood from the body towards the kidneys, and as blood passes through the renal cortex, the glomerulus filters it to remove waste products before returning the blood to circulation.

The filtrate containing waste products then passes through the sections of the renal tubules, where reabsorption and the secretion of important substances takes place. Sections of the renal tubule found in the cortex are the proximal tubule, the distal convoluted tubule, and portions of the collecting ducts, while the renal medulla contains the Loop of Henle. Urine, the final product, then passes through the ureter down to the bladder for excretion.

Main Role and Purpose

Blood tests may be conducted to detect problems with renal cortex functioning.
Blood tests may be conducted to detect problems with renal cortex functioning.

The primary purpose of the cortex is usually to provide a safe and insulated space for this complicated transaction and conversion process to happen. It acts as a sort of padding between the tougher outer layer and the more sensitive inner tubes and loops, and provides pathways that are crucial for proper organ functioning. It is also the site of what is known as “ultrafiltration,” which is usually the final step before urine is ready to be out-processed from the body.

Common Problems

The renal cortex contains a rich supply of blood vessels and nephrons.
The renal cortex contains a rich supply of blood vessels and nephrons.

Many diseases can affect the structure and function of the renal cortex in one or both kidneys. Infections, autoimmune diseases, various cancers, and heart disease are some of the biggest issues that can cause the cortex to stop functioning properly. The glumerulus in particular is usually very susceptible to infections and injury from autoimmune disorders, and radioactive dyes and some drugs can also be toxic to the tubules. When these or other problems arise, the cortex can be compromised, and may stop working well or at all. In these cases the kidneys as a whole often slow down, which can lead to a number of serious medical problems.

There are several structures inside each nephron, each vital for filtering the body's blood.
There are several structures inside each nephron, each vital for filtering the body's blood.

Cortex problems are usually diagnosed through the use of abdominal ultrasounds, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests. Laboratory blood tests and urinalysis can also give healthcare providers some sense of how well the organs are functioning on a more general level, and a renal biopsy is sometimes done to study the structures in these organs and as an aid in the diagnosis of kidney disease. Treatment usually begins as soon as problems have been detected. Sometimes lifestyle changes and medications can correct the situation, but in more serious situations dialysis or even transplant may be necessary.

Discussion Comments

FitzMaurice

I would normally think that a cortex has something to do with the brain, but it actually just comes from a Latin root meaning "bark." It is the outer layer of an organ, and is usually folded or textured, somewhat like tree bark.

Proxy414

Kidney stones can be the most painful naturally occurring body function to some people. Men describe it as the nearest they've ever come to giving birth. This issue is a result of buildup in the kidneys over the course of a long period of time and usually doesn't occur until after your forties. There are many instances of it occurring earlier than that, however.

anon109357

i want to ask what is the difference between the color of outer layer, i.e., renal cortex and the inner renal medulla.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • The renal cortex protects and insulates the kidneys.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      The renal cortex protects and insulates the kidneys.
    • Heart disease may cause the renal cortex to improperly function.
      By: yahyaikiz
      Heart disease may cause the renal cortex to improperly function.
    • Renal cortex problems may be diagnosed by a CT scan.
      By: Konstantin Sutyagin
      Renal cortex problems may be diagnosed by a CT scan.
    • Blood tests may be conducted to detect problems with renal cortex functioning.
      By: Goran Bogicevic
      Blood tests may be conducted to detect problems with renal cortex functioning.
    • The renal cortex contains a rich supply of blood vessels and nephrons.
      The renal cortex contains a rich supply of blood vessels and nephrons.
    • There are several structures inside each nephron, each vital for filtering the body's blood.
      By: designua
      There are several structures inside each nephron, each vital for filtering the body's blood.
    • Disorders of the renal cortex may be diagnosed with an ultrasound.
      By: jeff gynane
      Disorders of the renal cortex may be diagnosed with an ultrasound.
    • Serious renal cortex problems may require dialysis treatment.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Serious renal cortex problems may require dialysis treatment.
    • A urinalysis can give health care providers a general sense of a patient's kidney function.
      By: Darren Baker
      A urinalysis can give health care providers a general sense of a patient's kidney function.