The renal pelvis or renal pelvis is a funnel-shaped space located inside the kidney and plays an important role in the process of collecting and removing urine. The renal pelvis consists of two parts. A number of diseases can attack this area, which can cause disturbances in its function.
Urine is the result of filtering the blood by the kidneys. Once produced, urine will pass through a number of parts, namely the renal pelvis, ureter, bladder, and excreted through the urethra when urinating.
Know the Functions of the Renal Pelvis and its Parts
The renal pelvis is a space about 0.4-1 cm in diameter with funnel-shaped branches located within the kidney. This area is in direct contact with the upper part of the tube connecting the kidney and ureter.
The function of the renal pelvis is as a temporary reservoir for urine, after being produced by the renal filtration area (nephron), this urine will then flow into the ureter and be excreted out of the body.
The renal pelvis consists of two parts, namely:
Calyces
Calyces It is the first and largest part of the renal pelvis. This section consists of a space called major calyx and smaller branches (minor calyx).
On calyces, there is a small bowl that serves to receive urine from the filtration area of the kidney (nephron). This bowl is also a temporary reservoir for urine before it is channeled into the ureter.
Hilum
The hilum is the end of the renal pelvis that is directly connected to the ureter. This section is a short channel that is at the end of the kidney. At the hilum, there are large blood vessels, namely the renal arteries and veins. This section is also the entrance and exit of blood from the kidneys.
When sequenced, the blood enters the kidneys to be filtered by areas called nephrons. The filtering results from the nephrons or urine will enter the renal pelvis through the calyces (collection bowl) and exit through the hilum to be channeled into the ureter.
Diseases that can occur in the renal pelvis
The following diseases can affect the renal pelvis:
Ktransitional cell carcinoma
Transitional cell carcinoma is one of the cancers that can occur in the renal pelvis. However, the incidence is relatively rare, only about 7% of all types of cancer in the kidney.
Symptoms of this condition can vary depending on the severity. Common symptoms include blood in the urine, and pain in the side of the waist or lower back that doesn't go away.
Pyelonephritis
Pyelonephritis is inflammation of the renal pelvis. This condition is generally caused by the spread of bacteria from an untreated bladder infection. Pyelonephritis can cause back pain and fever.
Hydronephrosis
Hydronephrosis in this condition, an obstruction to the flow of urine or backflow of urine from the bladder, can cause the renal pelvis to swell. This condition may cause no symptoms, but in some patients, pain in the sides of the abdomen, waist and groin pain may occur.
The renal pelvis is part of the urinary system that serves as a temporary reservoir for urine before it is channeled into the ureter. Prevent diseases of the renal pelvis by adopting a healthy lifestyle. If you experience complaints in urination or pain in the side of the abdomen, waist, or groin, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.