In kidney anatomy, at which structure does the ureter penetrate (enter/exit) the kidney as it becomes continuous with the renal pelvis?

• A. Renal pyramid (medulla)
• B. Renal cortex
• C. Renal hilum
• D. Renal capsule

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the anatomy of the kidney, which includes the renal cortex (outer layer), renal medulla (inner region containing renal pyramids), renal pelvis (funnel-shaped structure collecting urine), and the renal capsule (outer protective layer).
2. Identify the ureter as the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder, and recognize that it must connect to the kidney at a specific point where urine collects before exiting.
3. Recall that the renal hilum is the recessed central area on the medial side of the kidney where structures such as the renal artery, renal vein, lymphatics, nerves, and the ureter enter or exit the kidney.
4. Note that the ureter becomes continuous with the renal pelvis at the renal hilum, allowing urine to flow from the collecting system inside the kidney to the ureter.
5. Conclude that the ureter penetrates the kidney at the renal hilum, not through the renal cortex, renal pyramid, or renal capsule.