Where are the renal pyramids located within the kidney?

• A. Cortex
• B. Renal pelvis
• C. Medulla
• D. Ureter

Answer: (C)

Renal pyramids are located in the medulla, the inner region of the kidney. They appear as cone-shaped masses with their bases facing the outer cortex and their tips, called papillae, projecting toward the renal pelvis. Between the pyramids are the renal columns. The collecting ducts run through the pyramids and drain into the minor calyces at the papillae, which then funnel urine into the renal pelvis. The cortex is the outer layer containing glomeruli and convoluted tubules, while the renal pelvis is the central collecting area that leads to the ureter.