Quick Facts
The papillary duct is a wide terminal tubule in the renal pyramid, formed by the union of several straight collecting tubules and emptying into the renal pelvis in the area cribrosa (Dorland, 2011).
Structure and/or Key Features
Papillary ducts are considered the most distal portion of the collecting ducts. Small muscle fibers that extend from the renal papillae to the minor calyces’ contract to facilitate the flow of renal filtrate through the papillary ducts and their openings.
Anatomical Relations
Papillary ducts pass through the openings in the renal papillae and drain into minor calyces.
Function
Papillary ducts facilitate the transport of renal filtrate into minor calyces.
References
Dorland, W. (2011) Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 32nd edn. Philadelphia, USA: Elsevier Saunders.
