Which statement correctly describes the anatomical relationship between the renal cortex and renal medulla in the kidney?

• A. The renal cortex is deep to the renal medulla.
• B. The renal medulla is superficial and directly beneath the renal capsule.
• C. The renal cortex forms the innermost region around the renal pelvis.
• D. The renal medulla is deep to the renal cortex.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the basic anatomy of the kidney, which is divided into two main regions: the renal cortex and the renal medulla.
2. Step 2: Recall that the renal cortex is the outer layer of the kidney, located just beneath the renal capsule, which is the kidney's outer covering.
3. Step 3: Recognize that the renal medulla is the inner region of the kidney, situated deeper inside, beneath the renal cortex.
4. Step 4: Analyze the anatomical relationship by noting that the renal medulla lies deep to (underneath) the renal cortex, meaning the cortex is superficial relative to the medulla.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct description is that the renal medulla is deep to the renal cortex, while the renal cortex is superficial and directly beneath the renal capsule.