Renal columns (of Bertin) are extensions of cortex that dip down between the renal pyramids towards the renal sinus. They carry the interlobar vessels into the kidney.
| Location | Within the kidney, between adjacent renal pyramids |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Renal plexus (sympathetic T10-L1) |
| Blood Supply | Interlobar and arcuate arteries (from the renal artery) |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Hold blood vessels that pass between the pyramids and contain functioning cortical nephrons.
A prominent renal column can look like a mass on ultrasound (pseudotumour); recognising this normal variant avoids unnecessary investigation.
A large but normal renal column mistaken for a tumour on imaging.
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