In the kidney, a renal pyramid drains urine from its collecting ducts into which structure?

• A. Renal capsule
• B. Renal cortex
• C. Renal artery
• D. Minor calyx

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the anatomy of the kidney, focusing on the flow of urine from the nephrons to the ureter.
2. Recall that urine is collected from the nephrons into collecting ducts, which are located within the renal pyramids.
3. Recognize that each renal pyramid drains urine into a structure called the minor calyx, which collects urine from the papillary ducts at the apex of the pyramid.
4. Note that the minor calyces then converge to form major calyces, which further drain into the renal pelvis and then the ureter.
5. Eliminate other options: the renal capsule is the outer covering of the kidney, the renal cortex contains the glomeruli and convoluted tubules, and the renal artery supplies blood to the kidney, not urine drainage.