In the kidney, the renal papillae drain directly into which structure?

• A. Major calyces
• B. Renal cortex
• C. Renal pelvis
• D. Minor calyces

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the anatomy of the kidney's internal structures, focusing on the flow of urine from the nephrons to the ureter.
2. Recall that the renal papillae are the tips of the renal pyramids where collecting ducts converge and urine is funneled out.
3. Identify the immediate structure that receives urine from the renal papillae; this is the minor calyx, a small cup-like space.
4. Recognize that multiple minor calyces then merge to form a major calyx, which further drains into the renal pelvis.
5. Summarize the flow: urine from renal papillae → minor calyces → major calyces → renal pelvis → ureter.