renal pelvis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, Medical
Quick answer
What does “renal pelvis” mean?
The funnel-shaped structure in each kidney where urine collects before passing into the ureter.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The funnel-shaped structure in each kidney where urine collects before passing into the ureter.
The anatomical chamber formed by the convergence of the major calyces in the kidney's hilum, acting as a reservoir for urine drainage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. Terminology is identical in both medical communities.
Connotations
Purely anatomical/medical, with no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency outside medical contexts in both regions. Slightly more common in US media due to higher incidence of public medical discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “renal pelvis” in a Sentence
The renal pelvis + verb (drains, collects, connects)Noun + of + the renal pelvis (carcinoma, stone, dilation)Adjective + renal pelvis (dilated, duplex)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “renal pelvis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ureteroplevic junction was reconstructed to better drain the renal pelvis.
American English
- The surgeon needed to stent the ureter to decompress the renal pelvis.
adverb
British English
- The tumour extended pelvically, invading the renal pelvis.
American English
- The dye was seen collecting normally within the renal pelvis.
adjective
British English
- The pelvi-ureteric junction is crucial for renal pelvis drainage.
American English
- The patient had a pelvic kidney with an anomalous renal pelvis structure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in medical, anatomical, and physiological texts, lectures, and research papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside of patient education or personal medical discussions.
Technical
Standard term in urology, radiology, nephrology, surgery reports, and medical imaging.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “renal pelvis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “renal pelvis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “renal pelvis”
- Pronouncing 'pelvis' as /ˈpɛlvɪs/ instead of /ˈpɛlvɪs/ (same). Confusing it with the bony pelvis. Using it as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'a renal pelvis').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Anatomically, it is considered part of the kidney's collecting system, located at the kidney's hilum, and is continuous with the ureter.
Yes, conditions like kidney stones obstructing the renal pelvis or infections (pyelonephritis) can cause severe flank or back pain.
It means the renal pelvis is enlarged or swollen, often due to a blockage downstream (e.g., a stone or stricture) preventing normal urine drainage, a condition called hydronephrosis.
No. The minor and major calyces are smaller cup-like structures that channel urine from the kidney tissue. Several major calyces unite to form the larger renal pelvis.
The funnel-shaped structure in each kidney where urine collects before passing into the ureter.
Renal pelvis is usually technical, medical in register.
Renal pelvis: in British English it is pronounced /ˈriːnəl ˈpɛlvɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrinəl ˈpɛlvɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
RENAL PELVIS = RENAL (kidney) + PELVIS (basin) = The basin inside your kidney that collects urine.
Conceptual Metaphor
A funnel or basin (for collection and drainage).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the renal pelvis?