Which structure is the major calyces?

Which structure is the major calyces?

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

Answer: (D)

Urine collected from the renal pyramids first drains into small cups called minor calyces. Several of these minor calyces merge to form a larger chamber—the major calyx. The major calyces then channel urine into the renal pelvis, which continues as the ureter. So the major calyces are the larger collecting spaces that receive urine from multiple minor calyces before it moves on to the renal pelvis. The renal pelvis is the next structure downstream, and the urethra is outside the kidney; minor calyces are the smaller upstream collecting spaces.

Urine collected from the renal pyramids first drains into small cups called minor calyces. Several of these minor calyces merge to form a larger chamber—the major calyx. The major calyces then channel urine into the renal pelvis, which continues as the ureter. So the major calyces are the larger collecting spaces that receive urine from multiple minor calyces before it moves on to the renal pelvis. The renal pelvis is the next structure downstream, and the urethra is outside the kidney; minor calyces are the smaller upstream collecting spaces.