What characterizes the renal medulla in the kidney?

The renal medulla is characterized as being located between the renal cortex and the renal pelvis. This structure consists of cone-shaped regions known as renal pyramids, which consist of collecting ducts and loops of Henle that play significant roles in urine concentration.

The renal cortex, which is the outer layer, helps in filtering blood and contains the glomeruli and convolute tubules, while the renal pelvis is the funnel-shaped structure that collects urine before it moves to the ureters. Thus, understanding the spatial relationship between these components is essential for comprehending the kidney's anatomy and function.

Although the innermost layer of the kidney is indeed the renal medulla, the primary description of its characteristic pertains to its position relative to other parts of the kidney rather than categorizing it merely by its layers. The medulla itself does not primarily carry out urine formation; instead, it participates in concentrating urine through various mechanisms. The ureters, on the other hand, are not contained within the renal medulla; they are separate structures that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder.