Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Culturing Primary Rat Inner Medullary Collecting Duct Cells
Published on: June 21, 2013
[Ultrastructure of the interstitial cells of the rat kidney medulla]
Abstract:
Ultrastructure of the interstitial cells of the internal zone of the medulla of kidney in rats is detailly described. Electronmicroscopical feature of these cells may be connected with several functions i.e. urine-concentration, electrolyte-transport, production of intercellular matrix and vasodepressor-lipids. Ultrastructural picture of production and elimination of lipid droplets is not yet cleared out. Authors stress, that for the appropriate fixation of zones of different ion-concentration of the medulla special fixatives of an appropriate osmotic pressure are necessary.
Related Concept Videos
Kidney Structure
Internal Anatomy of the Kidney
Anatomical Position and Dimensions
The kidneys are retroperitoneal organs positioned against the posterior abdominal wall on either side of the spine, roughly between the twelfth thoracic and third lumbar vertebrae. Each kidney is typically 10-12 cm long, 5-6 cm wide, and 3-4 cm thick, weighing about 150 grams.
Renal Cortex
The outermost region of the kidney is the...
Nephrons
Renal Tubule and Collecting Duct
Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT):
The PCT is the initial segment of the renal tubule, extending from the Bowman's capsule that encloses the glomerulus. Its convoluted structure and microvilli-lined cells increase the surface area for reabsorption. The PCT reabsorbs glucose, amino acids, sodium, and water from the filtrate, ensuring essential...
Formation of Concentrated Urine
Physiology of the Genitourinary System II: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion

