AEMCA Practice Exam

Which of the following regions of the kidney is NOT one of the main parts?

1. Renal cortex

2. Renal medulla

3. Renal pelvis

4. Renal capsule

The correct answer is: Renal capsule

The renal capsule is not considered one of the main functional regions of the kidney. Instead, it serves as a protective sheath surrounding the kidney. The renal cortex, renal medulla, and renal pelvis, on the other hand, are critical components of the kidney’s anatomy and function. The renal cortex is the outer region of the kidney, playing a crucial role in filtering blood and housing structures such as glomeruli and nephrons. The renal medulla is located beneath the cortex and contains the renal pyramids, which are essential for urine concentration and transportation. The renal pelvis acts as a funnel for urine, directing it from the kidney to the ureters. Each of these regions has specific roles in the overall function of the kidneys, whereas the renal capsule primarily serves as a protective barrier, making it distinct from the main functional parts of the kidney.