Definition

1. Noun:
   • A funnel-shaped structure in the kidney: The renal pelvis is the central collecting cavity of the kidney. It is shaped like a funnel and receives urine from the major calyces.
   • A part of the urinary tract: It is the area where urine collects before being channeled into the ureter for passage to the bladder.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ultrasound revealed a small stone in the renal pelvis.
  • Urine drains from the kidney's collecting ducts into the renal pelvis.

Advanced Usage

• Medical Context: The term is primarily used in anatomical, physiological, and medical contexts (e.g., urology, radiology, nephrology).
  • Hydronephrosis is often caused by an obstruction at the level of the renal pelvis or ureter.
• Descriptive Anatomy: Used to describe the specific part of the kidney's internal architecture.
  • The renal pelvis is lined with transitional epithelium.

Variants and Related Words

• Pelvis (noun): A general term for a basin-shaped structure. In anatomy, it can refer to the bony pelvis or the renal pelvis. Context is crucial.
• Renal (adjective): Pertaining to the kidneys.
• Pyel- (prefix): A combining form relating to the renal pelvis, as in (inflammation of the kidney and renal pelvis).

Synonyms

• Kidney pelvis: A less common but direct synonym.
• Pelvis of the kidney: A descriptive synonym.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Pelviureteric junction (PUJ): The point where the renal pelvis narrows to become the ureter.
  • A blockage at the pelviureteric junction can cause backflow of urine.
• Renal calyx: The structures (minor and major calyces) that channel urine into the renal pelvis.

Notes on Meaning

• The renal pelvis is specifically an anatomical structure. It is not a general term and has no idiomatic or figurative uses.
• It is a singular noun. The plural is or, less commonly, .

Noun

1. a structure shaped like a funnel in the outlet of the kidney into which urine is discharged before passing into the ureter