Abstract:

Objective To investigate the size, quantity and morphology characteristics of renal pyramids in the human, goat and swines. Methods Seven percent formaldehyde was perfused in the kidney specimens of human, goat and swine through renal artery. The kidneys were dissected to reveal the structures from the renal cortex into the deep, the renal pyramids. The renal pyramids were measured in size, number and their structure characteristics, and compared with each other. Results The renal pyramids’ boundaries of all three species were clearly recognized. The renal columns had sharp borders in human, and the renal pyramid shaped like broccoli, composed by 3-5 coneshaped sub-pyramids, namely the renal pyramid units. The basement of the pyramids presented a multi-tuber appearance, as well as the apexes of the pyramid units merged at renal papillae and opened to the minor renal calices in Human. The renal columns were narrower in goat and swine. The renal pyramid units were unobvious, with several crest-like protrusions near the openings of the renal papillae at the middle portion of the kidney in goat. However, swine had more renal pyramids and less pyramids units. Conclusion Renal pyramids morphologic characteristics are revealed in human, goat and swine via renal pyramid dissection and comparative observation. It is a morphological evidence in order to diagnose and treatment in kidney disease.

Key words: Renal pyramid, Sub-renal pyramid, Renal pyramid unit, Comparative anatomy, Human, Goat, Swine