Hyperhydronephrosis involves distention of which renal structures?

Hyperhydronephrosis involves distention of which renal structures?

• A. Renal calyces and pelvis
• B. Ureter
• C. Renal cortex
• D. Renal medulla

Answer: (A)

Hyperhydronephrosis reflects dilation of the kidney’s collecting system due to urine backing up from an obstruction. The collecting system consists of the renal calyces and the renal pelvis, which enlarge as urine accumulates upstream. The ureter would be distended in hydroureter, not hydronephrosis. The renal cortex and medulla are the functional tissue of the kidney and aren’t the structures that distend in this condition, though persistent pressure can indirectly affect them.

Hyperhydronephrosis reflects dilation of the kidney’s collecting system due to urine backing up from an obstruction. The collecting system consists of the renal calyces and the renal pelvis, which enlarge as urine accumulates upstream. The ureter would be distended in hydroureter, not hydronephrosis. The renal cortex and medulla are the functional tissue of the kidney and aren’t the structures that distend in this condition, though persistent pressure can indirectly affect them.