The renal papillae are the areas where the openings of the collecting ducts enter the kidney and where urine flows into the ureters.

What is the function of the medulla in the kidney?

The main function of the medulla is to regulate concentration of the urine. The urine flows from the collecting ducts into the renal calyces and pelvis, which undergoes unidirectional peristaltic movements to allow drainage of the urine into the downstream ureter and bladder.

What is hilum kidney?

The renal hilum (Latin: hilum renale) or renal pedicle is the hilum of the kidney, that is, its recessed central fissure where its vessels, nerves and ureter pass. The medial border of the kidney is concave in the center and convex toward either extremity; it is directed forward and a little downward.

What causes papillary necrosis?

Common Causes Renal papillary necrosis has a wide range of causes, including diabetes, analgesic abuse or overuse, sickle cell disease, pyelonephritis, renal vein thrombosis, tuberculosis, and obstructive uropathy.

Can interstitial nephritis be cured?

In most cases, interstitial nephritis is a short-term problem. Treatment of the underlying problem cures the condition. Rarely it can lead to long-term or permanent kidney damage, such as chronic kidney failure.

Can papillary necrosis be cured?

There is not a specific treatment for renal papillary necrosis. The cure depends on the cause, whether it can be controlled. The condition might resolve by itself. In other cases, people with this condition will develop renal failure and require dialysis or a kidney transplant.

What is inside the renal medulla?

The renal medulla contains the renal pyramids, where urine formation takes place. Urine passes from the renal pyramids into the renal pelvis. This funnel-shaped structure occupies the central cavity of each kidney and then narrows as it extends out to join the ureter. Urine drains from the renal pelvis into the ureter.

What happen when the medulla is damaged?

It plays an essential role in passing messages between your spinal cord and brain. It’s also essential for regulating your cardiovascular and respiratory systems. If your medulla oblongata becomes damaged, it can lead to respiratory failure, paralysis, or loss of sensation.

Is papillary necrosis fatal?

If renal papillary necrosis is complicated by infection can lead to death, particularly in the diabetic patient who may or may not have other significant medical problems. Even in the non-diabetic patient, renal papillary necrosis is potentially fatal.

What drugs cause papillary necrosis?

Analgesic nephropathy is a common cause of renal papillary necrosis. The risk is higher for phenacetin (which was withdrawn from market in the United States) and paracetamol (acetaminophen) compared to aspirin and other NSAIDs.